Chronic Cervicitis: Presenting Features and Response to Therapy

Objectives Chronic nongonococcal nonchlamydial cervicitis is a condition of unknown etiology. Data about treatment options are limited. Our goal was to review a single center's experience in managing women with chronic NGNCC. Methods We evaluated all encounters at a tertiary care center with ICD-9 code for cervicitis between April 2008 and March 2014. Cases were defined by having two of the following 3 diagnostic criteria: mucopurulent discharge noted by (1) patient or (2) practitioner, and (3) cervical bleeding upon gentle probing. All women had negative nucleic acid amplification testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Chlamydia trachomatis , and Trichomonas vaginalis . Information regarding patient demographics, symptoms, findings, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. Cure was defined as resolution of patient-specific diagnostic criteria. Results Sixty-one women were identified. The mean age was 31 years; 73.7% were white, and 59% were nulliparous. The mean duration of symptoms was 25.2 months. Initially, all 61 patients received one of 3 antibiotic treatments. The cure rate after initial antibiotic treatment was 65.6%. Nineteen patients required at least one further treatment. Additional treatments included secondary antibiotics, hormonal treatments, vaginal hydrocortisone, silver nitrate, cryotherapy, and loop excision electrosurgical procedure. Cure rates were as follows: 57.9% with antibiotics, 50% with hormone treatment, 0% with hydrocortisone, 100% with silver nitrate, 0% with cryotherapy, and 100% with loop electrosurgical excisional procedure. Of the initial 61 women, 93.4% were eventually cured. Conclusions Nongonococcal nonchlamydial cervicitis is a condition that can cause unremitting symptoms. Most patients will respond to antibiotics, although other treatments including surgery may be necessary.