Systemic and vaginal biomechanical properties of women with normal vaginal support and pelvic organ prolapse
Data from this submission were presented as an oral podium presentation at the 31st Annual Meeting of the International Urogynecological Association, Athens, Greece, Sept. 6-9, 2006.
Received 18 October 2006; received in revised form 6 January 2007; accepted 12 March 2007.
Objective
The objective of the study was to compare the biomechanical properties of vaginal and systemic skin in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.
Study Design
In this cross-sectional study, 25 women with pelvic organ prolapse and 23 age-matched women with normal pelvic support were recruited from an office setting. A Cutometer MPA 580 and DermaLab skin probe were used to measure systemic biomechanical parameters and a 1.5 mm offset DermaLab skin probe was used for vaginal biomechanical measurements.
Results
There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic, obstetrical, or gynecologic information between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the systemic biomechanical parameters between the 2 groups. Women with pelvic organ prolapse had significantly more extensible vaginal skin than women with normal pelvic support (initial stiffness index 7.3 vs 10.9 kpa, final stiffness index 5.9 vs 10.7 kpa; all P values less than .01). Furthermore, vaginal extensibility was related to pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage in a linear fashion.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that local, rather than systemic, alterations in biomechanical skin properties are associated with pelvic organ prolapse.
Louisville Pelvic Floor Research Group, Louisville, KY.
Reprints: Lee B. Epstein, MD, 4121 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 515, Louisville, KY 40207
Acaderm, Inc made a Cutometer MPA 580 available at a discounted lease rate for the duration of our research. CyberDERM, Inc made a DermaLab machine with both standard and 1.5 mm offset skin probes available for the duration of our research at no charge.
Cite this article as: Epstein LB, Graham CA, Heit MH. Systemic and vaginal biomechanical properties of women with normal vaginal support and pelvic organ prolapse. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007;197:165.e1-165.e6.
ABSTRACT