Original article / research
Aetiological Classification of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding using the FIGO PALM-COEIN System: A Retrospective Observational Study
QC01-QC04
Correspondence
Dr. Pavan Kumar Yanamadala,
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chalapathi Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences (A), Lam, Guntur-522034, Andhra Pradesh, India.
E-mail: pavan.yanamadala@gmail.com
Introduction: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) has a profound impact on the reproductive health and overall quality of life of women. Although many causes have been identified, the role of regional, sociodemographic, and clinical factors is still not thoroughly examined in India.
Aim: To assess the aetiological classification of AUB by employing the FIGO PALM-COEIN system.
Materials and Methods: The present retrospective observational study investigated 384 cases of AUB at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government General Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, from September 2024 to February 2025. The analysis involved data extracted from electronic and physical medical records, encompassing demographic, clinical, and diagnostic information. The causes were classified according to the FIGO PALM-COEIN criteria. Descriptive statistics were employed to encapsulate the demographic and clinical attributes of the study cohort. Categorical variables were represented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: Among 384 women with AUB, the mean age was 38.9±7.6 years, with most patients aged 36-45 years (198, 51.6%). Overweight or obesity was observed in 245 subjects (63.8% of participants). The most frequent co-morbidities were hypothyroidism in 103 subjects (26.8%) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in 66 subjects (17.2%). AUB-L (Leiomyoma) in 119 subjects (31.0%), AUB-O in 97 subjects (Ovulatory dysfunction) (25.3%), and AUB-A (Adenomyosis) in 55 subjects (14.3%) were the predominant aetiologies. Significant associations were noted between AUB subtypes and age, early marriage, endocrine disorders, and nulliparity (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study AUB in Indian women arises from multiple factors shaped by both structural and hormonal influences.