title: Pelvic inflammatory disease in adolescents.
abstract: Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most significant consequence of sexually transmitted infections. Statistics suggest that adolescents have a significantly higher rate of PID than does any other age group. Even asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic PID can lead to adhesions, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, so clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating female adolescents with lower abdominal pain. Empiric treatment, including appropriate partner notification and treatment, should be initiated early.
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lawson
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Blythe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D012307:Risk Factors