The North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) is a healthcare provider society representing obstetrician–gynecologists, adolescent medicine specialists, pediatricians, family practitioners and allied health professionals dedicated to the unique problems of patients aged from birth through to 22 years; a particular emphasis is placed on gynecological-related abnormalities.
The annual meeting includes a number of named lectureships and addresses the gamut of medical and surgical gynecological problems unique to this age group. The annual program is designed to meet the needs of the neophyte healthcare professional interested in the evaluation and management of pediatric and adolescent gynecologic (PAG) problems through to provision of the latest research developments in the field.
Medical & surgical
Primary amenorrhea differential diagnosis, prepubertal anatomic defects and healthy sexuality, including ‘Teenagers Today: Good news – Bad news’, were several of the topics addressed. The latter was presented by a past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Luella Klein. The concerned adolescent with a breast mass or marked asymmetry was the topic of a workshop designed to address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of the problem.
Perhaps one of the most important advances in preventive health for patients 9–26 years of age is the advent of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This topic was eloquently presented by Stanley Block, Stanley Gall and Paige Hertweck (KY, USA); the audience was provided with the latest research on the subject. The ability to either eliminate or strongly curtail the incidence of cervical, vulvar and vaginal carcinoma through use of the HPV vaccine is indeed a topic of importance to all clinicians.
It has become increasingly clear that polycystic ovarian syndrome is a challenging medical problem that begins in adolescence. Understanding the Rotterdam Consensus Criteria (i.e., oligoamenorrhea, evidence of hyperandrogenemia and polycyctic ovaries on ultrasound) has taken on a new meaning. This subject was aptly addressed by an authority in the field, Ricardo Azziz (Cedars Sinai Hospital, CA, USA). We learned of the current research and development from the Androgen Excess Society and how this endocrinologic disorder is rapidly moving to a new level of understanding regarding pathophysiology and treatment alternatives.
One very significant societal problem is that of child sexual abuse. Just how are clinicians to identify the subtle but concerning varied presentation? A modus operandi, as well as the long-term sequelae of the problem, were addressed in an interactive workshop.
Surgical challenges in the PAG patient remain both interesting and stimulating. Müllerian anomalies, the importance of early diagnosis and addressing both the anatomic and psychosocial aspects of the problem were discussed by Marc Laufer (Harvard School of Medicine, MA, USA). Clinicians in attendance were provided with alternative treatment modalities. The topic of intersex disorders is an area that healthcare providers must understand since life-threatening consequences can be associated with the varied presentations of the problem. This subject was addressed by authorities from Canada and ‘Food for Thought Luncheons’ allowed participants direct access to authorities from across North America.
Turner Syndrome was a topic addressed by Paul McDonough, past president of the society (Medical College of Georgia, USA), a pioneer in the field and an individual who has made tremendous strides in our understanding of this genetic abnormality. CDC representative Kimberly Workowski also updated participants on the subject of sexually transmitted infection as this topic has continued to produce new guidelines, which were comprehensively addressed.
Conclusion
The annual meeting of NASPAG was very well received by a record audience from all around the globe. The society mission is focused on educating healthcare professionals on the latest information regarding management of problems from birth into young adulthood. We will next be meeting in Newport, CA, USA, on April 16–18, 2008.
Information resources
For further details, see www.naspag.org.