Health Questions and Answers
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Archive for September, 2008

Question: How is nausea and vomiting differentiated from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Answer: There is no universally accepted definition for HG, but most clinicians consider this diagnosis in the setting of compromised fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional status. Some use a maternal weight loss of 5% and persistent significant ketonuria to make the diagnosis. A wide range of laboratory abnormalities may be seen, but a patient with moderate [...]

Posted in Complications of Pregnancy | No Comments »


Question: How common is nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP)?

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Answer: In multiple surveys, 60-70% of women experience symptoms of NVP. In one large comprehensive study, investigators found that symptoms began between the 4th and 7th menstrual week in 70% of patients with NVP, but that 7% had symptoms prior to their first missed period. Resolution of symptoms varied: in 30% symptoms disappeared by 10 [...]

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Question: Which lesions in the vagina result from abnormal development? How are they treated?

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Answer: Imperforate hymen: Usually recognized after puberty when retention of menses leads to hematocolpos. Accumulation of retained secretions may also lead to hematometra and hematosalpinx. Inspection of the introitus reveals an imperforate hymen with a bulging fluid mass in the vagina.▪ Treatment-cruciate incision of the imperforate hymen. Septate vagina: May be complete or incomplete, with [...]

Posted in Benign Lesions of the Vulva and Vagina | No Comments »


Question: What is vestibulitis? How is it managed?

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Answer: Vestibulitis is defined as a constellation of symptoms and signs, including entry dyspareunia, vestibular erythema, and vestibular tenderness in the absence of an active dermatosis or disorder that would otherwise explain the findings. Management includes symptomatic relief with 5% lidocaine ointment; tricyclic antidepressants may be helpful. Surgical treatment should only be considered in severe [...]

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Question: What is vulvadynia? How is it managed?

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Answer: Vulvadynia is defined as diffuse vulvar pain that occurs with or without provocation and is usually constant and unremitting. Pain is described as dull and burning. On exam, the vulvar skin and architecture are normal, and there are usually no architectural abnormalities. Management includes tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and pain management programs. Reference: Tovell HMM, [...]

Posted in Benign Lesions of the Vulva and Vagina | 1 Comment »


Question: What are the benign pigmentary lesions of the vulva?

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Answer: Melanocytic nevi: Vary in color and size (from 1-2 mm to 1-2 cm). Typically are asymptomatic. Diagnosis confirmed histologically usually with simple excision. Acanthosis nigricans: Cutaneous disorder affecting the axillae, nipples, umbilical area, and crural region. Appears as a poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation. Only symptomatic treatment is available. Vitiligo: Characterized by complete depigmentation of [...]

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Question: What are the vulvar, non-neoplastic epithelial disorders (previously called vulvar dystrophies)?

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

Answer: Lichen sclerosis: Most common in prepubertal and postmenopausal patients. Characterized by epithelial thinning with edema and fibrosis of the dermis and associated shrinkage and agglutination of the labia and introital stenosis. The edematous skin has a white, thin, and paperlike appearance. The labia minora is usually lost. Patients often experience pruritis. Sexually active women [...]

Posted in Benign Lesions of the Vulva and Vagina | 1 Comment »


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