Evaluation of the Patients with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Based on PALM-COEIN Classification

Abstract

Introduction:The PALM-COEIN classification, described and recently published by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), allows epidemiological information in women with abnormal uterine bleeding, as well as thorough assessment and proper management. We aimed to classify patients who applied to our gynecology outpatient clinic with abnormal uterine bleeding according to PALMCOEIN classification.Methods:Our prospective observational study was conducted with non-pregnant women aged 15-45 years who were admitted to the gynecology outpatient clinic between June 2017 and March 2018. Patients were grouped according to PALM-COEIN classification by anamnesis, transvaginal ultrasonography, laboratory tests, hysteroscopy and pathology results.Results:The cases were classified into two groups as structural causes (PALM) and non-structural causes (COEIN). There were 199 cases (49.4%) in the PALM group and 204 cases (50.6%) in the COEIN group. In the PALM group, polyp was found as the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in 79 cases (19.6%). The most common cause in COEIN group iatrogenic was with 80 cases (19.9%). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, body mass index and the need for surgery.Conclusion:The diagnosis and management of abnormal uterine bleeding becomes easier and more objective with the use of PALM-COEIN system.

Keywords

• abnormal uterine bleeding; palm-coein
• figo classification
• terminology