Abstract

The pathogenesis, risk factors, microbiology, sequelae, diagnosis, and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are reviewed, and factors associated with the selection of effective, safe, and economical drug therapy are discussed. PID is an acute clinical syndrome not related to surgery or pregnancy that is caused by the spread of microorganisms from the vagina and cervix to the endometrium, fallopian tubes, and other adnexal structures. Primary PID, the most common form of the disease, is the result of the ascent of sexually acquired or endogenous lower genital tract microorganisms to the upper genital tract. Presence of a sexually transmitted disease is the most common risk factor for PID, but a previous episode of PID, multiple sexual partners, intrauterine device use, and young age are also risk factors. PID is classified as gonococcal or nongonococcal (i.e., caused by anaerobic and aerobic pelvic organisms). The long-term consequences of PID are the most devastating aspects of the disease; infertility remains the most common sequela. Therapy of PID is aimed at preserving fertility, preventing long-term consequences, and relieving acute clinical symptoms. In areas in which penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae is endemic, therapy that is effective against penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae is necessary. Gonococcal PID that is not penicillin resistant may be treated with a single intramuscular or oral dose of a penicillin; penicillin-resistant infection may be treated with a cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin. If chlamydia is a diagnostic consideration, a one- to two-week course of oral tetracycline or doxycycline (injectable-drug therapy is an alternative) should be added to the regimen. Single-agent therapy is a cost-effective alternative to combination regimens. Ampicillin-sulbactam is a cost-effective alternative to the more costly injectable cephalosporins or the combination regimens of an aminoglycoside plus clindamycin or metronidazole. With the increasing prevalence of PID in the United States, the selection of cost-effective antimicrobial therapy has important implications for the hospital pharmacist and the pharmacy and therapeutics committee.