potassium-permanganate and Vaginitis

Complications after abortifacient use of potassium permanganate in a 22-year old woman are described. Approximately 1 month prior to admission, the patient placed in the vagina a bag with potassium permanganate for 12 hours. Gynecological examination showed stenosis of the vagina, enlargement of the uterus, and adhesions in the cervix and vagina. The patient underwent surgical separation of the vagina, daily irrigations of the vagina, and postoperative administration of ampilillin. Microbiological analysis of the vaginal discharge showed the presence of bacteroides melaninogenics and Peptostreptococcus sensitive to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and cephalosporin. These findings indicate the role of chemical injury of the vagina in pathogenesis of the endogenous anaerobic genital infection.

Topics: Abortion, Criminal; Adult; Anaerobiosis; Female; Humans; Potassium Permanganate; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Vagina; Vaginitis