BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) is a method for evaluation of menstrual blood loss (MBL). This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the PBAC score in diagnosing MBL compared to alkaline hematin as a gold standard. METHODS: Two cohorts were constructed: 30 women who reported 'normal' menses and 170 who reported 'heavy' menses. Evaluation of menstruation was performed using the PBAC score and by alkaline hematin. RESULTS: Women who reported normal menses were younger (p = 0.071), had lower parity [median parity of 3 (range 1-6) vs. 4 (range 1-12), p < 0.001] and higher hemoglobin levels (11.1 ± 1.1 vs. 10.1 ± 1.6 g/dl, p < 0.001). PBAC scores and MBL by alkaline hematin were significantly correlated (Spearman r = 0.600, p < 0.001). The PBAC score of 150 had a κ of 0.593 (95% CI 0.480-0.687) and an area under the curve of 0.796 (95% CI 0.770-0.821). In a multivariable regression PBAC score >150, presence of blood clots and period duration >7 days were independent predicators of heavy menstrual bleeding with an overall area under the curve of 0.858 (95% CI 0.835-0.879). CONCLUSIONS: The PBAC score is a simple and accurate tool for semiobjective of MBL that can be used in clinical practice to aid the decision about treatment and follow-up.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) is a method for evaluation of menstrual blood loss (MBL). This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the PBAC score in diagnosing MBL compared to alkaline hematin as a gold standard. METHODS: Two cohorts were constructed: 30 women who reported 'normal' menses and 170 who reported 'heavy' menses. Evaluation of menstruation was performed using the PBAC score and by alkaline hematin. RESULTS:Women who reported normal menses were younger (p = 0.071), had lower parity [median parity of 3 (range 1-6) vs. 4 (range 1-12), p < 0.001] and higher hemoglobin levels (11.1 ± 1.1 vs. 10.1 ± 1.6 g/dl, p < 0.001). PBAC scores and MBL by alkaline hematin were significantly correlated (Spearman r = 0.600, p < 0.001). The PBAC score of 150 had a κ of 0.593 (95% CI 0.480-0.687) and an area under the curve of 0.796 (95% CI 0.770-0.821). In a multivariable regression PBAC score >150, presence of blood clots and period duration >7 days were independent predicators of heavy menstrual bleeding with an overall area under the curve of 0.858 (95% CI 0.835-0.879). CONCLUSIONS: The PBAC score is a simple and accurate tool for semiobjective of MBL that can be used in clinical practice to aid the decision about treatment and follow-up.
Authors: Igor Govorov; Lena Ekelund; Roza Chaireti; Petra Elfvinge; Margareta Holmström; Katarina Bremme; Miriam Mints Journal: Exp Ther Med Date: 2016-03-10 Impact factor: 2.447
Authors: Lakshmi Srivaths; Charles G Minard; Sarah H O'Brien; Allison P Wheeler; Eric Mullins; Mukta Sharma; Robert Sidonio; Shilpa Jain; Ayesha Zia; Margaret V Ragni; Roshni Kulkarni; Jennifer E Dietrich; Peter A Kouides Journal: Blood Adv Date: 2020-07-14