Vulvar and Vaginal Graft versus Host Disease: A Healthcare Clinic Initiative

Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing
Naomi Van DamYevgeni Frank-Kamenetsky

Abstract

In patients receiving bone marrow transplantation (BMT), their mucosa becomes altered and sclerotic changes in the female external genital organs occur. Although a few studies have specifically addressed vulvar and vaginal graft versus host disease (VVGvHD) and its repercussions on the sexual health and quality of life of patients, VVGvHD can be overlooked by health practitioners. The objective of the study is to describe the initiation of a health care clinic specializing in VVGvHD in a general tertiary hospital. A VVGvHD clinic was founded as a part of BMT daycare in a joint initiative of the nursing staff and the medical director of the department and a gynecologist specializing in vulva and vaginal disease. Patients were assessed for vulvovaginal symptoms, such as dryness, burning, itching, pain to touch, pain during intercourse, and dysuria. These patients might be subsequently referred to the VVGvHD clinic according to their needs assessed by daycare nurses. Treatment guidelines were developed by the specialist gynecologist. A total of 81 women aged 2-66 years (median age = 38 years) visited the clinic from 2009 to 2015. Of these women, 70 received an allogeneic transplant and 11 underwent autologous transplantation befor...Continue Reading

References

Nov 5, 2002·Fertility and Sterility·Ellen C Hayes, John A Rock
Dec 12, 2013·Obstetrics & Gynecology Science·Junsik ParkDaegeun Lee

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Citations

Jul 19, 2019·Climacteric : the Journal of the International Menopause Society·M JacobsonW L Wolfman

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