Cellular proliferation in female pelvic organ prolapse: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To assess cell proliferation in pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

Tissue samples of the anterior vaginal wall and uterosacral ligaments (USLs) were obtained from eight women with combined anterior vaginal wall and uterine prolapse and from eight women without POP in a standardized fashion. Immunohistochemistry against Ki-67 was used to assess cell proliferation in vaginal and USL biopsies.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, parity, menopausal status or hormone replacement therapy between the two groups. The POP-Q stage of uterine and anterior vaginal wall prolapse was significantly higher in the group of women with prolapse compared to the group without prolapse [median (range) 3 (3-4) vs. 0 (0), <0.01]. There was no significant difference between Ki-67 expressions in women with or without prolapse.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in cell proliferation between samples from women with or without POP.