The prevalence of each STI among sexually victimized children is <10%, even when highly sensitive detection methods are used. Most children with STIs have normal or nonspecific findings on physical examination.

Body samples should be considered for children beyond 24 hours after assault, although the yield is limited. Physical examination findings do not predict yield of forensic laboratory tests.

The low prevalence of disease in the study population precluded statistical analysis. LCR may prove to be as specific and more sensitive than culture for the detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in children. Further studies are needed.

No abstract

Among children undergoing a medical evaluation after an alleged sexual assault, important unmet health care needs are at least as common as forensic findings.