AimsFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is the name given to procedures that involve partial or total removal or other injury to the female genitalia for nonmedical reasons. This study describes the presentation, incidence and clinical management of children with FGM in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI).MethodsCases of FGM were reported using the established national British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) reporting system. The data period is from November 2015-November 2017 with a 12 month follow up.ResultsThese interim results are from 120 cases reported (November 2015-September 2017). 61 (51%) had confirmed FGM, 18 cases were reported in error or were duplicates, 36 questionnaires were incomplete [5 did not meet case definition]. 48% (n=29) of the 61 confirmed cases were classified as type 2.In over 72% of the 61 cases, the parent disclosed child’s history of FGM. At the time of diagnosis, 80% of children (n=49) were four years or older (11 cases not recorded). Most children were diagnosed between 5 years and 10 years 11 months (n=27) or 11 years and 15 years 11 months (n=20) with 3 cases diagnosed between 0 and 4 years 11 months. In 51% of cases FGM was said to have been performed when the child was between 0 and 3 years (n=31). 93% (n=57) were performed before arrival to the UK.13% (n=8) of children had medical symptoms attributed to FGM, with 7% (n=4) of children identified to have mental health symptoms relating to FGM. No children presented with a history of labiaplasty or genital piercing.ConclusionNumbers reported were lower than expected for UK estimated prevalence with fewer physical and mental health symptoms than anticipated. Further information is needed to determine illegality under UK law. These findings should be used to educate health, social care, police and education on prevention programmes to influence national policies.FundingDepartment of Health England.

AimsThis study aims to describe the presentation, incidence and clinical management of children with FGM in the UK and Ireland.MethodsCases of FGM are reported using the established British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) orange card system. The online data collection period is from November 2015–November 2016. The sexual referral centres (SARCS) have agreed to participate. The study also includes a 12 month follow up.ResultsOf the 55 cases reported to the BPSU, 29 (53%) had confirmed FGM of which we are awaiting outstanding information, 20 were reported in error, or were duplicates, six questionnaires are incomplete. The results presented are interim findings on the 29. Of the completed questionnaire items, at the time of diagnosis all children were older than four years (n=26), most children were diagnosed at 4–6 years (n=7) or 13–16 years (n=7), followed by 7–9 years (n=6) and 10–12 years (n=6). Almost all children were born outside of the UK, in African countries (n=25). For confidentiality purposes we cannot disclose the place of birth for those children born outside of African countries (n=2), the place of birth was unknown for two cases. Social care referred most children (66%, n=19), and health professionals the remainder (34%, n=10) with a history of FGM (83%, n=26) or suspected FGM (n=<5). No children presented with a history of labioplasty or genital piercing. The circumstances of FGM were known in 19 cases of which 7 (32%) were performed by a healthcare professional either in a family members house/village (n=5) or clinic (n=2).ConclusionThe first year of reporting has shown that cases are being found and investigated. The reporting of clinical presentation and examination findings can be used to educate healthcare professionals and plan health services. The study extension will help to identify the true incidence, presentation and management of cases.