FIGO classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in non-gravid women

Abstract

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common problems of the women of reproductive age group leading to increased number of hospital visits. International federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) has suggested a new etiological classification system polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia, coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, and not yet classified, known by the acronym PALM-COEIN to standardize the terminology, investigations, diagnosis and management of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in non-pregnant women of reproductive age group. Methods: This is a retrospective study on 150 patients of abnormal uterine bleeding to categorize them on the basis of PALM-COEIN classification. Patients were grouped under these categories after detailed history, examination, investigations and histopathological reports. Results: Ovulatory dysfunction was the most common cause of AUB in patients presenting to the gynecology outpatient department (n=42, 28%). It was followed by leiomyoma (n=37, 24.67%) and endometrial causes (n=23, 15.33%). They constitute the top 3 causes of AUB. Adenomyosis (n=22, 14.67%), not known (n=10, 6.67%), iatrogenic (n=5, 3.33%), polyp (n=6, 4%), coagulopathy (n=1, 0.67%) and malignancy (n=4, 2.66%) contributing least to the PALM-COEIN classification as an etiology for AUB. Conclusions: The PALM COEIN classification system is useful in understanding various etiological causes of AUB, facilitates accurate diagnosis and hence helps in optimizing the treatment.