A Comparison of Outcomes from Antibiotic Treatment with and without Probiotics in 897 Patients with Lower Urogenital Tract Infections, Including Cystitis, Urethritis, Prostatitis, and Vulvovaginitis.

BACKGROUND Urogenital bacterial infections have a high incidence in humans. The most frequent cause of infections of the urogenital tract is gram-negative bacteria. Antibiotics are very effective in curing infectious diseases but they are accompanied by health complications. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are believed to confer a beneficial effect on human health when consumed in adequate amounts. This study aimed to compare outcomes from antibiotic treatment with and without the use of probiotics in 897 patients with lower urogenital tract infections, including cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, and vulvovaginitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 897 patients aged 18 to 55 years were included in this research. Patients were divided into an intervention group including 460 patients (254 women, 206 men) and a comparison group including 437 patients (240 women, 197 men). The probiotics received by patients were capsules of ProBalans®. The diagnosis of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, vulvovaginitis, and sexually transmitted infection was done using several tests, and antibiotics were used for treatment. Qualitative data were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher exact test. RESULTS We found a significant difference regarding patients' impressions of improvement after therapy between patients in the intervention group and the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS Use of probiotics together with antibiotics in the treatment of urogenital tract infection can help to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics, increase the efficiency of antibiotic therapy, and reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotics. However, further research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.

Efficacy and safety of vaginal formulations with tyndallized ferments in subjects with nonspecific vulvovaginitis: A randomized study in Italy.

AIM: In this study, we tested the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vaginal ovules and a vaginal douche containing tyndallized ferments in women affected by nonspecific vulvovaginitis, with or without the human papillomavirus (HPV). METHODS: The study included 91 female patients and had a randomized, controlled sequential design, with parallel groups. Ovules and douche were tested and compared to a control group treated with sterile physiological solution. Total symptom score (TSS), individual signs and symptoms, therapeutic success were evaluated, as well as safety and tolerability. RESULTS: The tyndallized ferments formulations (ovules and douche) had a safe and tolerable profile, and resulted in a significant decrease in TSS in patients affected by nonspecific vulvovaginitis, both at 5 and 10 days of treatment, when compared to a control group. The treatment was more effective than the control in reducing symptoms such as vulvar erythema, vulvar edema, itching, and burning. Patients affected by vulvovaginitis and HPV-positive received a 30 days treatment either with ovules or ovules + douche, and we observed an improvement at Day 30 compared to Day 0, for both regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that topical treatment with tyndallized ferments is a safe and effective strategy to reduce symptoms of nonspecific vulvovaginitis.

Vaginal bleeding in prepubertal females: a case of Shigella vaginitis and review of literature.

Shigella vulvovaginitis is an uncommon aetiology of prepubertal vaginal bleeding that should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients who have travelled to developing countries. A young girl presented with prepubertal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, occasional dysuria and no gastrointestinal symptoms. After a year-long extensive workup, including vaginoscopy and biopsy, genital culture and Gram stain revealed vulvovaginitis due to Shigella flexneri After review of bacterial sensitivity, the patient was given a 30-day course of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. The patient returned to the clinic 1 month later with no signs of vaginal bleeding, discharge or pelvic pain. This case prompted review of the indicated evaluation and differential diagnosis of prepubertal vaginal bleeding, including infectious aetiologies such as Shigella vulvovaginitis with the authors' goal to expedite diagnosis and treatment in paediatric patients.

Update on treatments for erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus.

Vulvovaginal lichen planus (VVLP) is a debilitating disease that causes significant pain and psychological distress. Management is made difficult by the chronic course of the disease and its resistance to treatment. While topical steroids have been accepted as the first-line treatment, they fail to achieve symptomatic control in approximately 40% of patients. Second-line therapies include other topical treatments such as calcineurin inhibitors, systemic therapies including oral steroids, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, biologics, and tacrolimus, and procedural options including surgery and dilation, photodynamic therapy, and ultrasound. This review provides an overview of the current treatments and explores the level of evidence supporting each of them.

Prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome: outcome after 6 months of treatment with ospemifene.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ospemifene in the prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy. The study have a retrospective design. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. Patients underwent clinical examination and urine culture. The urinary symptoms and the quality of life were evaluated with UTISA score, PUF and SF-36 questionnaires before and after treatment. All 39 patients received ospemifene 60 mg one tablet/daily for 6 months. Adverse effects and complications were assessed. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Two patients experienced one new UTI episode and the mean number of positive urine culture decreased significantly after 6 months (3.65 ± 2.12 vs 0.25 ± 0.17, p < .0001). The mean number of urinary infection symptoms decreased significantly after treatment; dysuria reduced (4.76 ± 2.45 vs 0.89 ± 1.12). PUF score and SF-36 showed a statistically significant change (22.43 ± 5.89 vs 12.14 ± 3.21) and (52.86 ± 9.21 vs 83.43 ± 10.76). No adverse effects were reported and the total success rate was the 92.3% after 6 months at PGI-I. Ospemifene is a valid alternative with excellent tolerability for the UTIS prevention in postmenopausal patients.

Cyproterone acetate in the treatment of oestrogen hypersensitivity vulvovaginitis.

Oestrogen hypersensitivity vulvovaginitis is a rare chronic cyclical vulvovaginitis responsive to oestrogen suppression or antagonism. We present a case series of 16 patients with refractory cyclical vulvovaginitis, all of whom responded to oestrogen suppression with cyproterone acetate.

Genital streptococcal infection in non-pregnant women: a case-note review.

The purpose of this case-note review was to examine the clinical features and management of women with either vulval or vaginal swabs culturing positive for streptococci. Group B haemolytic streptococcus was isolated in all cases. The majority of women with vulval streptococci presented with irritation or soreness. Candidal infection was found in 43% and a dermatosis in 27%. All women with positive vaginal culture had vaginal soreness and/or discharge. Candida was isolated in 27% and there were features of desquamative vaginitis in 20%. Women treated with erythromycin failed to improve symptomatically. The findings of this study suggest that streptococci mostly play a secondary role and colonize an already damaged genital epithelium.

Acute cervicitis and vulvovaginitis may be associated with Cytomegalovirus.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent hosts is generally asymptomatic or may present as a mononucleosic syndrome. Its association with acute cervicitis and vulvovaginitis has rarely been reported. A 24-year-old woman presented with pelvic pain, vulvodynia, abnormal vaginal discharge, burning with urination, fatigue, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. The vulva and cervix were red with vesicular lesions on the cervix. Genital herpes simplex infection (HSV) was suspected and valacyclovir was given orally. However, serial viral cultures performed 7 weeks apart did not isolate HSV as suspected, but CMV was confirmed by immunofluorescence and early antigen research. Blood tests confirmed an acute CMV infection. Typical inclusions were found at histology. Symptoms resolved slowly with persistence of cervical lesions at 7 weeks from diagnosis. The frequency of CMV genital infection is probably underestimated. The infection is not always asymptomatic and might be confused with genital HSV infection. The clinical course is longer.

Recurrent vaginal discharge in children.

BACKGROUND: Childhood vaginal discharge remains a frequent reason for referral from primary to secondary care. The Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) service at Kettering General Hospital was established in 1993 and provides a specialized service that meets the needs of children with gynaecological conditions. AIM: To investigate recurrent vaginal discharge noting symptomatology, defining pathogens, common and rarer causes, exploring management regimes, and any changes in practice over time. METHOD: Retrospective review spanning 15 years identifying prepubertal children attending the outpatient PAG clinic with recurrent vaginal discharge. We reviewed the medical notes individually. RESULTS: 110 patients were identified; 85% were referred from primary care. The age distribution was bimodal at four and eight years. Thirty-five percent of our patients were discharged after the initial consultation. The commonest cause of discharge was vulvovaginitis (82%). Other important causes included suspected sexual abuse (5%), foreign body (3%), labial adhesions (3%), vaginal agenesis (2%). 35% of patients were admitted for vaginoscopy. CONCLUSION: Vaginal discharge is the most common gynecological symptom in prepubertal girls and can cause repeated clinical episodes. Vulvovaginitis is the most common cause and often responds to simple hygiene measures. Awareness of the less common causes of vaginal discharge is essential.

[Statement of the Polish Gynecological Society Expert Group on the use of Macmiror Complex 500]. / Stanowisko Zespolu Ekspertów Polskiego Towarzystwa Ginekologicznego dotyczace preparatu Macmiror Complex 500.

The group of experts representing the Polish Gynecologic Society has issued this statement based on the review of available literature on the potential benefits of the use of Macmiror Complex 500 in obstetrical and gynecologic practice. Mixed Vaginitis (MV) eg. the vaginal infection caused by at least two out of the triad of pathogens (fungi, bacteria and Trichomonas Vaginalis [TV]), constitutes the type of vaginitis which is underestimated as for its prevalence. Mixed pathogens are responsible for as much as one third of all vaginal infections. Macmiror Complex 500 contains two active ingredients: nifuratel and nystatin. Macmiror Complex 500 affects all common causes of vulvovaginitis, i.e. bacteria, yeasts and TV. At the same time, it is not effective against Lactobacillus spp., which is a clear advantage in the treatment of vaginal infections. The antibacterial spectrum of nifuratel includes aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Moreover nifuratel is effective against Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma spp., it has an anti-trichomonal effect comparable to metranidazole and shows certain activity against Candida spp. Nystatin is effective against Candida albicans and is even very effective against Candida glabrata which is usually more resistant to imidazole antifungal agents. Nystatin's importance is rising due to the current increase of candidoses caused by non-albicans types. This increase is especially perceptible in recurring candidoses. The review of the available literature on the effectiveness of Macmiror Complex 500 in the OB/GYN practice leads to the following conclusions: the exeptionally broad antibacterial and antifungal and trichomonicidal activity of this formulation makes it a drug of choice in cases where MV is suspected. The possibility to treat both partners, favorable safety profile in pregnant patients and the availability of both vaginal ovules and the cream with applicator makes this drug an effective and suitable treatment option in obstetrical and gynecologic practice.

[Treatment of atrophic and irritative vulvovaginal symptoms with an anhydrous lipogel and its complementary effect with vaginal estrogenic therapy: new evidences]. / Trattamento dei disturbi trofici e irritativi vulvovaginali con un lipogel anidro e suo effetto complementare alla terapia estrogenica per via vaginale: nuovi approfondimenti.

It is sometimes difficult to treat vulvovaginal itching and dryness, which represent frustrating symptoms for both patients and doctors. In case that the etiological agent is Candida albicans, effective antimycotic therapies are available; however, itching is often caused by aspecific allergic-irritative factors, which are difficult to be defined. In these cases, patients are invited to limit local irritative factors; nevertheless, this advice is not always taken and sometimes it turns out to be insufficient. Besides behavioral suggestions, a therapeutic support would be useful; medical doctors habitually prescribe local symptomatic treatments which, however, do not target numerous causes of irritative vulvovaginal symptomatology, though they are formulated for vulvovaginal application. If there is estrogenic deficit, the best therapeutic approach is based on topical estrogenic therapy, which is sometimes ineffective on vulvar symptoms. Frequently, it is necessary to choose a complementary therapeutic tool for vaginal application in order to alleviate itching, burning, erythema, dryness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative anhydrous lipogel containing vitamin E and boswellic acids. Results of this study, performed on 34-58-year-old patients, confirmed the efficacy of the lipogel on irritative vulvovaginal symptoms. In postmenopausal women, the lipogel is a useful synergistic complement to topical hormonal therapy.

Vulvovaginal atrophy: current and future therapies (CME).

INTRODUCTION: Vulvovaginal atrophy results from estrogen deficiency and affects a large number of postmenopausal women. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and dyspareunia. AIM: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and acceptability of current treatment methods for vulvovaginal atrophy, as well as highlight evolving new treatment methods. Method. We conducted a review of the literature concerning treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy. RESULTS: All currently available low-dose local estrogen formulations are effective and yield few side effects. Fears sparked by the Women's Health Initiative, as well as recommendations by the FDA, have generated interest in the development of new treatment methods. Lower doses of existing formulations have proven to be efficacious. The use of estrogen agonists/antagonists and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have both been shown to positively affect vaginal atrophy symptoms without inducing endometrial proliferation. CONCLUSION: Potential new treatment methods show promise to provide efficacy in treatment while avoiding unwanted side effects. Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment formulations.

Vulvovaginal chronic graft-versus-host disease with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnosis and management of female genital chronic graft-versus-host (GVH) disease, a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: From 1999 to 2006, 33 women with vulvar symptoms or undergoing systematic evaluation for chronic GVH disease were referred 267 (median, range 29-6,117) days after transplantation for gynecologic evaluation. Pertinent histories, laboratory tests, and skin and genital area-directed examinations were performed. Vulvar disease was treated with superpotent topical glucocorticoids and topical estrogen. Sexually active, menopausal women used vaginal dilators, topical glucocorticoids and estrogen, and estrogen vaginal rings for vaginal synechiae. RESULTS: At presentation, most patients complained of vulvar pain during urination and pain that prevented sexual intercourse. Twenty-nine of 33 presenting with vulvovaginal chronic GVH disease had vulvar erythema, with additional signs including vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (n=9), vulvar erosions (n=12), vulvar scarring (n=2), and vaginal scarring (n=6); over time, eight additional patients developed vaginal scarring. Topical glucocorticoids improved vulvar symptoms, and estrogen decreased vulvar mucosal friability. Eleven of 12 patients, who wanted to resume having intercourse, responded to nonsurgical treatment for vaginal synechiae. CONCLUSION: A combination of topical superpotent glucocorticoids and estrogen was effective in the treatment of vulvovaginal chronic GVH disease. In those with vaginal scarring, use of a vaginal dilator and estrogen ring was helpful. Early identification and treatment of vulvovaginal chronic GVH disease ameliorates vulvar pain by healing eroded vulvar mucosa and may prevent the need for surgery for hematocolpos. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The epidemiology of mycotic vulvovaginitis and the use of antifungal agents in suspected mycotic vulvovaginitis and its implications for clinical practice / Epidemiología de la Vulvovaginitis Micótica y el uso de Agentes Antifungales Ante la Sospecha de Vulvovaginitis Micótica, y sus Implicaciones en la Práctica Clínica

Data in the Caribbean documenting the speciation of yeast associated with vulvovaginitis are lacking. The widespread use of antibiotics and increased availability of antimycotic agents, both prescribed and over-the-counter, predisposes both to a change in the epidemiologic patterns and the possible development of secondary resistance among previously susceptible yeast. This study was conducted to evaluate the aetiologic agents associated with mycotic vulvovaginitis and to review the appropriateness of prescribed antifungal therapy. Of 134 positive isolates, the most frequent yeast isolate was C. albicans accounting for 78%, C. tropicalis 10%, Prototheca wickerhamii (P. wickerhamii) 5%, C. glabrata 4%, Cryptococcus albidus (C. albidus) 2% and C. lusitaniae (1%) were also isolated. Of the positive cases, 75% were treated with antifungals, 17% with antibiotics and 8% were not treated. The azole group was the most frequently prescribed antifungal (71%). Of cases with negative yeast cultures, 83% were treated with antifungals. The presence of non-albicans Candida species and other opportunistic fungi is an important finding and combined with the pattern of therapy, represents a major challenge for future empirical therapeutic and prophylactic strategies in the treatment of mycotic vulvovaginitis

La región del Caribe carece de datos que documenten la especiación de la levadura asociada con la vulvovaginitis. El uso extendido de antibióticos y la mayor disponibilidad de agentes antimicóticos ­ tanto los adquiridos mediante prescripción facultativa como los que pueden comprarse sin receta médica ­ predisponen por un lado a un cambio en los patrones epidemiológicos, y por otro al posible desarrollo de resistencia secundaria en la levadura previamente susceptible. Este estudio se llevó a cabo con el fin de evaluar los agentes etiológicos asociados con la vulvovaginitis micótica y examinar cuán adecuada resulta la terapia antifúngica prescrita. De 134 aislados positivos, el aislado de levadura más frecuente fue el C albicans responsable del 78%. También fueron aislados C tropicalis 10%, Prototheca wickerhamii (P wickerhamii) 5%, C glabrata 4%, Cryptococcus albidus (C albidus) 2% y C lusitaniae (1%). El 75% de los casos positivos fueron tratados con antifúngicos, el 17% con antibióticos, en tanto que un 8% no recibió tratamiento alguno. Los medicamentos antifungosos de la familia azol (71%) fueron los más frecuentemente prescritos. El 83% de los casos con cultivos de levadura negativos, fue tratado con antifúngicos. La presencia de especies de Candida no albicans y otros hongos oportunistas, constituye un hallazgo importante, y en combinación con el modelo de terapia, representa un desafío de importancia considerable para las futuras estrategias empíricas ­ tanto terapéuticas como profilácticas ­ en el tratamiento de la vulvovaginitis micótica.

Vulvovaginitis bacteriana en la prepúber / Bacterial vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girl

Considerando la alta incidencia de vulvovaginitis en la consulta de ginecología pediátrica y de adolescentes, y los aspectos únicos de la microbiología y endocrinología de la paciente prepúber se presenta una revisión de la literatura con lo más relevante de los últimos 5 años, en lo que se refiere a epidemiología, etiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la vulvovaginitis bacteriana específica de la niña prepúber. No existe claridad acerca de la microflora vaginal normal, lo cual dificulta en gran medida la interpretación de muestras. De acuerdo con la evidencia actual podemos decir que ante la vulvovaginitis específica de la prepúber debemos tener en consideración como principales agentes causales: patógenos respiratorios, epidérmicos y entéricos; higiene defectuosa, cuerpos extraños, irritantes, enfermedades dermatológicas vulvares, defectos anatómicos y abuso sexual. Streptococcus hemolitico del grupo A y Haemophilus influenzae son patógenos prevalentes.

Microbiology and management of polymicrobial female genital tract infections in adolescents.

This review describes the microbiology and management of female genital tract infections in adolescents. These infections include vulvovaginitis, vulvovaginal pyogenic infections (abscesses of Bartholin's and Skene's glands, infected labial inclusion cysts, labial abscesses, furunculosis, and hidradenitis), endometritis, pyometritis, salpingitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and tubo-ovarian and pelvic abscess. Anaerobes can be cultured in 50% to 90% of females with a variety of genital infections and are the exclusive isolates in 20% to 50%. Obligate anaerobes are particularly common in closed-space infections, such as tubo-ovarian and vulvovaginal abscesses. The most common anaerobes found in these infections are gram-negative bacilli (especially P. bivia and P. disiens) and anaerobic cocci. Anaerobes generally are not the only pathogens found, but are usually mixed with aerobes. The most common aerobic pathogens are members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, especially E. coli, and aerobic or microaerophilic streptococci. Sexually acquired infections include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex, and Condyloma accuminata. Treatment regimens must provide antimicrobial coverage for N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, anaerobes, streptococci, and gram-negative facultative bacteria.