FIGO's PALM-COEIN Classification of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Clinico-histopathological Correlation in Indian Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the commonest menstrual problem during perimenopause. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics working group on menstrual disorders has developed a classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of the AUB in non-gravid women. The present study was conducted with the aim to study the two components of this system in clinical practice in general and to establish a clinico-pathological correlation of AUB with context of PALM component in particular.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-six perimenopausal women (aged 40 years and above till 1 year beyond menopause) admitted with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding were studied. After thorough history and examination, a clinical diagnosis was made as per PALM-COEIN classification. Relative contribution of various causes of PALM (structural) and COEIN (functional) components was analysed. After all indicated investigations, endometrial sampling and hysterectomy specimen were assessed by histology. A clinicopathological correlation was analysed statistically.

RESULT: PALM and COEIN components contributed almost equally for AUB when assessed clinically. On the other hand, the histological examination revealed significantly more cases of PALM (structural or anatomical) component of AUB, i.e. 50.23 versus 63.98 % ( p  ≤ 0.05) The difference was mainly attributed to the detection of more cases of AUB-M (malignancy and hyperplasia) in highly significant proportions ( p  ≤ .01) and coexistent cases of AUB-A;L. AUB-L was the commonest (41.1 %) aetiology overall.

CONCLUSION: The PALM-COEIN classification system should take into account both the clinical and histopathological diagnoses in women having AUB around perimenopause as the two diagnostic modalities are complementary to each other and clinical impression should be placed into proper perspective of this classification in order to optimise outcome.