Management of Acute Genital Ulcers: A Survey of North American Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Care Providers.

INTRODUCTION

Acute genital ulcers are painful ulcerations of the lower vagina and vulva, with limited data to guide management. We aimed to survey care providers to understand the workup and management of acute genital ulcers across North America.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of NASPAG. Data are presented descriptively, and management practices between care providers are compared using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Responses from 100 NASPAG members were included. Common diagnostic tests performed were herpes simplex virus PCR (82%), Epstein-Barr virus serology (56%), and cytomegalovirus serology (47%). Topical steroids were considered by 67% on the basis of the degree of accompanying inflammation. There was no difference in corticosteroid prescriptions according to the type or location of providers (P > .05).

DISCUSSION: Collaboration between pediatric and adolescent gynecology care providers is needed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of treatment modalities and develop evidence-based guidelines.