The maturation index on vaginal cytology is a diagnostic method for evaluating :: (A) Adequacy of cytotoxic drug therapy, (B) Gender of an anatomically abnormal child, (C) Malignant change at squamocolumnar junction of cervix, (D) Endocrine status of vagina
Answer is D. Maturation index of Vaginal cellsIt is a ratio of vaginal cellsThree major cell typesBasal and Parabasal cells: Least mature cells; Not influenced by hormonesIntermediate cells: Progesterone influences the maturation Superficial cells: Most matured cells; Estrogen affects the maturity Cell counts are expressed as a percentage; Basal/Intermediate/SuperficialUsed for hormonal evaluationPredominance of parabasal cells indicates absence of estrogen stimulationPredominance of Superfical cells indicates estrogen presenceMaturation index examplesMenstrual cycleProliferative phase: 0/40/60Secretory phase: 0/70/30Pregnancy: 0/90/10Menopause: 100/0/0Ref: D.C. Dutta&;s Textbook of Gynaecology, 6th edition, page no: 58