[Gynecological care to children and adolescents. Twelve-year experience at National Pediatrics Institute, Mexico].

BACKGROUND

In major regions of the world, the importance of gynecological care to children and adolescents has been recognized. There are multiple publications, journals and associations dedicated to this purpose. In Mexico, it has not been the case.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this publication is to raise awareness to the medical community about the importance of sub specialized gynecological care to children and adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study. The number of office evalu- ations issued by the Department of Gynecology of the National Institute of Pediatrics (INP) from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2013 were counted. Results were grouped by age groups. Group 1: 1 year or less. Group 2: 2 to 9 years. Group 3: 10 to 18 years. The major causes of morbidity were analyzed by groups and in general.

RESULTS

In the 12 year period reported, 21,190 girls granted gynecological consultation: 15.2% were first consultations (n = 3,221), 74.76% subsequent consultations (n = 15,842) and 10.04% evaluations and interconsultations (n = 2,127). The yearly average was 1,766 consultations. From 2002 to 2005, two certififyed obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYN) worked in the Departament, with the subsecuent increase in the number of attentions; 2005 was the year with the highest productivity (2,265). From 2006, only one OB-GYN continued laboring, and the number of visits decreased gradually. 2013 was the year with fewer productivity (1,351). The main causes of morbidity were: abnormal uterine bleeding (26.48%), inflammatory conditions of vagina and vulva (13.58%), dysmenorrhea (12.31%); which occupied 52.37% of the total (10,404 / 19,867). 81% of the patients corresponded to group 3 (17,079/21,190). To a younger patient, corresponded a smaller number of visits.

CONCLUSION

It is required to institute the subspecialty of Child and Adolescent Gynecology in Mexico and to establish Services formed by subspecialists in this matter in the top pediatric hospitals of the country.