Labial Adhesions in Early Infancy

Abstract

Purpose: We received many labial adhesion (LA) referrals from the public regular health check for infant (PRHC) and noticed a high occurrence in 3-month-old babies. This is an initial report of LA in early infancy. Method: Clinical features of 84 infants with LA during a 3.6 year period were observed. All the adhesions were bluntly opened and kept open and clean by their mothers. Results: Forty-one babies were referred 3 months after birth by PRHC, 22 after 6 months, 9 after 9-10 months, 1 after 18 months, and 11 were referred from outpatient clinics. Seventy-one were from PRHC in Amagasaki City. At the peak period, we experienced 7 patients per month, and 38 per year. The ages seen during consultations were 2 months old (m.o.) in 1 case, 3 m.o. in 23 cases, 4 m.o. in 17 cases, 5 m.o. in 3 cases, 6 m.o. in 11 cases, 7 m.o. in 8 cases, 8 m.o. in 4 cases, 9 m.o. in 5 cases , 10 m.o. in 3 cases, and over 1 year in 9 cases. The third month of age was the peak month. The estimated frequency of LA using PRHC data was 0.86 %, 0.76%, and 0.59% in 3 m.o., 6 m.o., and 9- 10 m.o. infants, respectively. Seventy-seven were asymptomatic, of which 72 were under 1 year old. Forty-seven showed full length LA and 26 were under 4 months old. Pinhole openings were observed at the upper edges in 53 cases. The recurrences of small adhesions were observed in 17 cases. Conclusion: LA is common in early infancy. Fulllength LA can occur at 3 months of age. LA should be checked by PRHC. Prophylaxis is the best treatment. It is recommended to advise mothers to keep their babies' labias clean during early childhood.