[Refocusing on the gynecological and obstetrical consequences of intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)].

The oncological and obstetrical follow-up is described of 321 patients who presented between 1981 and 1988 in the St Radboud Hospital with a history of intrauterine diethylstilbestrol(DES) exposure. In 45 out of 321 cases cytological abnormalities were found including 20 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). No relation could be established between CIN and the extension of the cervical adenosis. Twenty-two percent of 87 evaluable pregnancies terminated in spontaneous abortion, 13 percent of the patients delivered immaturely and 27 percent prematurely. These percentages were significantly higher than in the rest of the hospital population. The consequences of intrauterine exposure to DES are discussed. Full examination of the patients is advised, including colposcopy and hysterosalpingography. If abnormalities are present it is advised to offer a timely cerclage in case of pregnancy.