A PROPOSED SYSTEM FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ANOGENITAL FINDINGS IN CHILDREN WITH SUSPECTED SEXUAL ABUSE

Study Objective: To evaluate and classify the significance of anogenital findings in children and assess the overall likelihood of sexual abuse. Design: A classification system was developed using published data on normal children as well as other published guidelines for evaluating children with suspected sexual abuse. Participants: Children referred to the Child Sexual Abuse Evaluation Program. Interventions: Colposcopic photographs of each patient were taken. Each photograph was reviewed in a blinded study and a number was assigned for the significance of anal and genital findings. The history of each patient was then reviewed and the information collated. Results: A helpful system for classifying anogenital findings and of determining the overall likelihood of sexual abuse is presented. Conclusion: Such systems could be used in collaborative studies to collect data which can further our understanding of the frequency of certain anogenital findings and correlate the findings with the type of molestation alleged.