Adolescent and adult females with pelvic inflammatory disease in an ambulatory setting.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) during 1980 at an inner-city neighborhood health center. The presenting clinical features, laboratory results, management, and recurrences within a 6-18 month follow-up were analyzed. PID was diagnosed in 264 patients, 60 (23%) of whom were less than 21 years old. Pelvic organ tenderness was present in all patients. Three percent had an elevated white blood cell count and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Four percent were hospitalized. Ten percent had positive endocervical cultures for N. gonorrhoeae. Six percent of the records included treatment plans for the male contact. Twenty-seven percent had a recurrence of PID. The lack of criteria for diagnosing PID and the inconsistencies in its management are discussed. Recommendations for the management of cervicitis and male contacts are presented.