A clinical report on a form of leucorrhoea found in relation to certain rheumatic states

Abstract

A clinical investigation was made into 92 cases giving a history of leucorrhoea commencing between the ages of 11 years and 20 years, viz. Group A, 82 cases, who were women of child-bearing age, and Group B, 10 cases, who were school-girls. A control series for Group A, Group C (82 cases), was also examined.

As a result the following conclusions were drawn: (i) This form of leucorrhoea is not primarily caused by local genital-tract infections, though these may be superimposed upon it. (ii) The discharge arises in the vagina as a result of some alteration in the "trophicity. of its lining mucous membrane and consists chiefly of desquamated vaginal epithelium. (iii) The occurrence of one or more of the manifestations of rheumatism is seen in over 75% of patients complaining of this symptom, (iv) Other debilitating or toxic conditions, such as tuberculosis, chronic tonsillar sepsis, and extensive burns, may be associated with it.