Can striae be used as a marker for the prediction of pelvic organ prolapse?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between two connective tissue pathologies: striae and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Study designFour hundred and eighty-eight women who had undergone gynaecological surgery were divided into two groups. The study group (n=244) consisted of symptomatic patients with POP, and the control group (n=244) consisted of cases who underwent surgery for benign gynaecological conditions without evidence of POP. The groups were compared in terms of the presence, intensity and severity of striae, as well as their general characteristics. ResultsThe presence of striae (p=0.001), number of striae (p=0.001) and Davey score (p=0.00001) were significantly higher in the study group, and the absence of striae was more common in the control group (p=0.00001). According to multivariate analysis, the presence of striae, an increased number of striae (>15) and a Davey score >2 increased the risk of POP 1.29 fold (p=0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.35), 1.19 fold (p=0.04, 95% CI 1.14–1.25) and 2.51 fold (p=0.01, 95% CI 1.66–3.78), respectively. ConclusionStriae may serve as a promising marker for POP. In particular, women who develop striae should be cautious about their risk for developing POP in the future, and should be informed about preventive methods for POP.