Childhood gonorrhoea in Auckland.
OBJECTIVE
To review the Auckland experience of childhood gonorrhoea, with particular regard to inter-agency management and medicolegal outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective review of medical records at a specialist child abuse assessment unit, and follow up with other agencies involved.


RESULTS
Twelve cases of genital gonorrhoea in pre-pubertal children in five years, in contrast to two cases in the preceding six years. Major problems in inter-agency coordination, and an inability to identify the source of the infection in most cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Gonorrhoea in the pre-pubertal child is an increasing problem, and is often poorly handled. Proposals for an inter-agency guideline are discussed.
Kelly
Patrick
P
Whakaruruhau (Child Abuse Assessment Unit), Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. patrickk@adhb.govt.nz
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies