Clinical Guidelines and Standards · Diagnostic Criteria and Classification

FIGO classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age

Munro MG, Critchley HO, Broder MS, Fraser IS, FIGO Working Group on Menstrual Disorders

Published April 2011 International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 113(1), 3-13
DOI 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.11.011 PMID 21345435

Abstract

There is general inconsistency in the nomenclature used to describe abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), in addition to a plethora of potential causes-several of which may coexist in a given individual. It seems clear that the development of consistent and universally accepted nomenclature is a step toward rectifying this unsatisfactory circumstance. Another requirement is the development of a classification system, on several levels, for the causes of AUB, which can be used by clinicians, investigators, and even patients to facilitate communication, clinical care, and research. This manuscript describes an ongoing process designed to achieve these goals, and presents for consideration the PALM-COEIN (polyp; adenomyosis; leiomyoma; malignancy and hyperplasia; coagulopathy; ovulatory dysfunction; endometrial; iatrogenic; and not yet classified) classification system for AUB, which has been approved by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Executive Board as a FIGO classification system.

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Clinical Guidelines and Standards › Diagnostic Criteria and Classification › Staging and Classification Systems · Menstrual Cycle › Cycle Disorders › Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Malcolm G Munro, Hilary O D Critchley, Michael S Broder, Ian S Fraser
M Munro, H Critchley, Mike Broder, M Broder, I Fraser
PMID 21345435 21345435 DOI 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.11.011 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.11.011 Munro et al. 2011, Munro 2011