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Scientific Reports Feb 2024Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause vaginal dysbiosis that may influence general vaginal health and pregnancy complications. Balancing vaginal microbiome using... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause vaginal dysbiosis that may influence general vaginal health and pregnancy complications. Balancing vaginal microbiome using Lactobacillus spp. may be a new way to prevent and treat mild BV. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study aimed at evaluating the effect of the product VagiBIOM, a multi-Lactobacillus vaginal suppository, on peri- and premenopausal women with BV in restoring vaginal pH and overall vaginal health by resetting the vaginal microbiome composition. Sixty-six peri- and premenopausal women with BV symptoms were randomized with a 2:1 ratio to be treated with VagiBIOM or placebo suppositories. Vaginal pH, VAS itching score, total Nugent score, and vaginal health index (VHI) were measured. Vaginal microbiome changes before and after the treatment were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. After 4 weeks of intervention with VagiBIOM or a placebo, the mean score for vaginal pH, VAS itching, and total Nugent score was significantly decreased from the baseline. Compared to the baseline scores, the VHI scores improved significantly following 28-day intervention (p < 0.001). Our results revealed two Lactobacillus species, L. hamsteri, and L. helveticus, as indicator species occurring differentially in the VagiBIOM-treated group. Furthermore, the regression and species network analyses revealed significant bacterial associations after VagiBIOM treatment. Lactobacillus hamsteri was positively associated with the Nugent score and negatively associated with vaginal pH. L. iners and L. salivarius were positively and inversely associated with VHI. As is typical, Bacteroides fragilis was positively associated with vaginal pH and negatively associated with the Nugent score. Interestingly, the Lactobacillus spp. diversity improved after VagiBIOM treatment. The VagiBIOM suppository treatment for peri- and premenopausal women with BV significantly relieved vaginal itching by decreasing vaginal pH and Nugent scores and improving the overall VHI after 4 weeks' intervention. This effect was primarily the result of VagiBIOM improving vaginal Lactobacillus diversity.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05060029, first registration 09/28/2021: Title: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Suppositories; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Pilot Projects; Perimenopause; Vagina; Lactobacillus; Pruritus
PubMed: 38336815
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53770-1 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic and progressive dermatologic condition that can cause physical dysfunction, disfigurement, and impaired quality of life....
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic and progressive dermatologic condition that can cause physical dysfunction, disfigurement, and impaired quality of life. However, the etiology of VLS remains unknown. The vulvar skin, intestinal and vaginal microbiomes have been postulated to play important roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this study was to compare the compositional characteristics of the vulvar skin, vagina, and gut microbiota between perimenopausal or postmenopausal VLS patients and healthy controls. The study involved six perimenopausal or postmenopausal VLS patients which were based on characteristic clinical manifestations and histologic confirmation and five healthy controls. The pruritus severity of each patient was evaluated using the NRS scale, and the dermatology-specific health-related quality of life was assessed using the Skindex-16. Metagenomic sequencing was performed, and the results were analyzed for alpha and beta diversity. LEfSe analysis were used to investigate the microbial alterations in vulvar skin, gut and vagina. KEGG databases were used to analyze differences in functional abundance. The study found significant differences in alpha diversity between the two groups in stool and vaginal samples (P < 0.05). Patients with VLS had a higher abundance of Enterobacter cloacae, Flavobacterium_branchiophilum, Mediterranea_sp._An20, Parabacteroides_johnsoniiand Streptococcus_bovimastitidis on the vulvar skin, while Corynebacterium_sp._zg-913 was less abundant compared to the control group. The relative abundance of Sphingomonas_sp._SCN_67_18, Sphingobium_sp._Ant17, and Pontibacter_sp_BT213 was significantly higher in the gut samples of patients with VLS.Paenibacillus_popilliae,Gemella_asaccharolytica, and Coriobacteriales_bacterium_DNF00809 compared to the control group. Additionally, the vaginal samples of patients with VLS exhibited a significantly lower relative abundance of Bacteroidales_bacterium_43_8, Bacteroides_sp._CAG:20, Blautia_sp._AM28-10, Fibrobacter_sp._UWB16, Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_AM25-39, Holdemania_filiformis, Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_GAM79, and Tolumonas_sp. Additionally, the butyrate-producing bacterium SS3/4 showed a significant difference compared to the controls. The study found a negative relationship between Sphingobium_sp._Ant17 in stool and Skindex-16 (P < 0.05), while Mediterranea_sp._An20 had a positive correlation with Skindex-16 (P < 0.05) in the skin. Additionally, our functional analysis revealed alterations in Aminoacyl_tRNA_biosynthesis, Glutathione_metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, and Alanine__aspartate_and_glutamate_metabolism in the VLS patient group. The study suggests that perimenopausal or postmenopausal patients with VLS have a modified microbiome in the vulvar skin, gut, and vagina. This modification is linked to abnormal energy metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and abnormal amino acid metabolism.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus; Postmenopause; Perimenopause; Quality of Life; Microbiota; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Vagina
PubMed: 38600101
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58983-y -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Sep 2023This study analyzed common gynecologic problems among Korean patients younger than ten years.
BACKGROUND
This study analyzed common gynecologic problems among Korean patients younger than ten years.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients younger than ten years who visited the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at Samsung Medical Center between 1995 and 2020.
RESULTS
Among the 6,605 patients who visited the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, data from 642 patients younger than ten years were analyzed in this study. The most common chief complaint was genital anomalies, followed by increased vaginal discharge and abnormal findings on clinical examinations. The most common disease entity was agglutination of the labia minora, which was commonly discovered incidentally during routine screenings. Vulvovaginitis, the second most common disease, was identified by symptoms of vaginal discharge, pruritus, and vaginal spotting. Neoplasm, issues with vaginal bleeding, and "other causes" were additional categories of gynecologic problems. 245 patients (38.2%) were referred from primary care sources, 175 patients (27.4%) sought care directly at the clinic, 169 patients (26.3%) were referrals from the institution's pediatric department, and the remainder were referrals from other departments.
CONCLUSION
This study provides information about the gynecologic problems most frequently encountered in pediatric patients. The study provides helpful insight for primary care physicians into the proper management and timing of referrals for these gynecologic problems of pediatric patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Asian People; Republic of Korea; Retrospective Studies; Uterine Hemorrhage; Vaginal Discharge; Genital Diseases, Female
PubMed: 37724492
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e279 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Jun 2023Vaginal atrophy is a condition where the vaginal epithelium gets thinner and includes symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Vaginal atrophy is a condition where the vaginal epithelium gets thinner and includes symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, and sexual problems. Hormone therapy is associated with some problems and some women prefer herbal medicine to reduce vaginal atrophy. Considering the phytoestrogenic compounds present in the nettle, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the nettle vaginal cream on subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 84 eligible postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years, who referred to comprehensive health service centers in Aliabad Katul in 2021-2022. Women eligible for the study received 5% nettle vaginal cream and placebo for 8 weeks. Subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy were assessed before, four and eight weeks after the intervention. Data collection tools included a checklist for research unit selection, individual and midwifery characteristics questionnaire, vaginal assessment scale (VAS), vaginal pH, laboratory results of the vaginal maturation value (VMV). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21) and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square, Two-way analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
Subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy decreased significantly after the intervention compared to before the intervention in both the nettle and placebo groups (p < 0.001), but in the comparison between groups four weeks and eight weeks after the intervention, the subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy in nettle group decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In the nettle group, the scores of vaginal burning, vaginal dryness, vaginal itching and dyspareunia significantly improved after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.001). Also, in the nettle group compared to the placebo group, after the intervention, vaginal burning and vaginal dryness score (p < 0.001) and vaginal itching score (0.004) improved significantly.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of the present study, Nettle vaginal cream reduced subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy, including vaginal burning, vaginal dryness, vaginal itching, and dyspareunia in postmenopausal women, so it is a cost-effective, available and do not have the side effects product that can be useful for menopausal women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Postmenopause; Dyspareunia; Administration, Intravaginal; Vaginal Diseases; Vagina; Atrophy; Pruritus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37044017
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.03.037 -
International Journal of Dermatology Mar 2019Currently, the exact incidence of Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) in the Mexican population is unknown. PEP tends to manifest in the abdomen, primarily in the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Currently, the exact incidence of Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) in the Mexican population is unknown. PEP tends to manifest in the abdomen, primarily in the stretch marks caused by distension. It is characterized by severely pruritic urticarial-like papules that converge in plaques, extending to the buttocks and proximal thighs. Our study determined its incidence, along with other common dermatoses in pregnancy.
METHODS
Patients between 14 and 45 years of age were evaluated. In each patient, a complete medical history and physical examination was performed with emphasis on skin and adnexa. Patients were followed until the end of their pregnancy.
RESULTS
A total of 217 women were included. PEP was identified in three patients (1.38%), all primigravida, with single fetus pregnancy, and all concluded their pregnancy by vaginal delivery. The neonates were 2 females and 1 male. No other gestational pathologies were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified a higher incidence of PEP than reported, without association to complications or need for medical management. There may be an association between high maternal weight and the presence of PEP, however a larger sample is needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Erythema; Female; Humans; Incidence; Longitudinal Ligaments; Mexico; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Pruritus; Young Adult
PubMed: 30549007
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14337 -
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis Jan 2019Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a common disease that results in pruritus, dyspareunia, and vulvar dysuria. However, the pathological mechanisms of the disease are still...
BACKGROUND
Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a common disease that results in pruritus, dyspareunia, and vulvar dysuria. However, the pathological mechanisms of the disease are still unclear. Compared to traditional methods, high-throughput sequencing can obtain more accurate qualitative and quantitative information on the microbiome.
METHODS
We collected 75 samples from 32 healthy women (average age 44 ± 8) and 43 patients with CV (average age 38 ± 8). We used high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region to characterize and compare the vaginal microbiota of patients with CV and healthy women and to identify potential biomarkers for CV.
RESULTS
The vaginal pH of patients with CV was ≤3.8, and the vaginal concentration of H O was ≥2 μmol/L. Colony densities of Lactobacillus spp. in patients with CV ranged from +++ (5-30) to ++++ (>30) and were significantly higher than those in healthy women. High-throughput sequencing showed that Lactobacillus was the most prominent genus both in patients with CV and in healthy women, with abundances of 83.8% and 97.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). Lactobacillus crispatus was more abundant in patients with CV, whereas Lactobacillus sp. L-YJ was more abundant in healthy women, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.9375 and 0.8379, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in CV patients was significantly different from that of healthy patients. Two suitable biomarkers, L. crispatus and Lactobacillus sp. L-YJ, were identified. These results will be useful for the identification of women at risk of serious illness before they develop obvious symptoms.
Topics: Adult; Bacteria; DNA, Bacterial; Female; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Microbiota; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 30203607
DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22653 -
Climacteric : the Journal of the... Dec 2016To assess the association between the type of symptom and women's self-reported view of menopause.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the association between the type of symptom and women's self-reported view of menopause.
METHODS
The study was conducted at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, between January 2006 and October 2014. Women aged 40-64 were included. Data from 1420 women were analyzed in a cross-sectional design. The Menopause Health Questionnaire was used for symptom assessment. Odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable risk (PAR) (OR × percent frequency) were calculated for each symptom. Logistic regression analyses were performed with the view of menopause as the dependent variable.
RESULTS
Anxiety (2.34), depressed mood (2.24), irritability (2.22), vaginal itching (2.27), crying spells (2.1) and breast tenderness (2.08) were associated with highest odds of having a negative view of menopause. Highest PAR (population impact) symptoms were anxiety (22.27), weight gain (20.66), fatigue (20.28) and irritability (19.41). Hot flushes and night sweats, although common, were not associated with a negative view of menopause (OR 1.3 and 1.16; PAR 3.85 and 4.42, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Mood symptoms, vaginal itching, weight gain, breast tenderness and fatigue, although less common than hot flushes, were noted to have greater association with a negative view of menopause. Specifically addressing these symptoms during menopausal consultation may improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Affect; Anxiety; Attitude; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Fatigue; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Irritable Mood; Mastodynia; Menopause; Middle Aged; Pruritus; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweating; Vaginal Diseases; Weight Gain
PubMed: 27763798
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2016.1241227 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Oct 2018Keratoderma climatericum affects menopausal women, and the diagnosis relies on typical clinical findings and exclusion of other potential causes of acquired keratoderma.... (Review)
Review
Keratoderma climatericum affects menopausal women, and the diagnosis relies on typical clinical findings and exclusion of other potential causes of acquired keratoderma. Although its pathophysiology is still unknown, there has been speculation about its relation to hormonal dysregulation (possibly a local estrogen deficiency) since the 1930s. A female patient with long-lasting keratoderma climatericum was initially prescribed a topical 50% urea ointment and clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment, with just a slight improvement after 2 months of daily use. The patient was started on topical estriol 0.125 mg/g vaginal cream applied on the plantar surface after her daily shower and application of the same topical 50% urea ointment and clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment on alternate nights. There was a marked improvement under this regimen with total and fast control of the pruritus. At 6-month follow-up the patient retained total symptomatic control and was just applying the estriol cream and the 50% urea containing ointment. We report a case of a difficult to treat plantar keratoderma that markedly improved after adding a daily topical application of a vaginal cream containing estriol 0.125 mg/g. Trials that determine the efficacy and safety of topical estrogens for keratoderma climatericum are warranted.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Estriol; Female; Foot Dermatoses; Humans; Keratosis; Menopause; Middle Aged; Ointments; Prognosis; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28929614
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12422 -
Journal of Menopausal Medicine Dec 2022Labial adhesions in postmenopausal women are caused by various inflammatory processes in the context of estrogen deficiency. Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic,...
Labial adhesions in postmenopausal women are caused by various inflammatory processes in the context of estrogen deficiency. Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by idiopathic epithelial thinning of the anogenital region with symptoms of significant pruritus, discomfort, and dyspareunia. Early diagnosis and treatment of LS can prevent disease progression, leading to labial adhesions and malignancy. We present an 84-year-old woman with long-standing vulvar Hailey-Hailey disease who developed labial adhesions. Clinical examination with vulvar biopsy revealed histopathological findings consistent with LS. Surgical separation of the labia by blunt dissection was then performed, and clobetasol ointment and vaginal dilatators were postoperatively prescribed. This resulted in a significant improvement in her symptoms. This is the first reported case of LS in a patient with Hailey-Hailey disease.
PubMed: 36647277
DOI: 10.6118/jmm.22020 -
BMC Health Services Research Apr 2022The mission of medical schools is a sustainable commitment to orient education, research, and services based on the priorities and expectations of society. The most...
BACKGROUND
The mission of medical schools is a sustainable commitment to orient education, research, and services based on the priorities and expectations of society. The most common complaints of patients from comprehensive health service centers (CHSCs) based on the data from electronic health records were assessed in order to determine primary health care (PHC) priorities for the educational planning of medical students in Iran.
METHODS
A population-based national study was designed to assess clinical complaints of patients in all age groups who were referred to CHSCs at least once to be visited by physicians. All the data in the census were extracted from electronic health records in PHC system during 2015-2020, classified by the International Classification of Primary Care 2 edition (ICPC-2e-English), and statistically analyzed. The total number of complaints that were recorded in the system was 17,430,139.
RESULTS
59% of the referring patients were women. The highest number of referrals was related to the age group of 18-59 years (56.9%), while the lowest belonged to the elderly people (13.3%). In all age and sex groups, the first ten complaints of patients with three top priorities in each category included process (follow-up, consultation, and results exam), digestive (toothache and gum complaint, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), respiratory (cough, sore throat, and runny nose), general (fever, pain, and weakness and fatigue), musculoskeletal (back pain, leg complaint, and knee injuries), endocrine and nutritional (weight gain, Feeding problem, and weight loss), cardiovascular (hypertension, palpitations, and Postural hypotension), neurological (headache, dizziness, and paralysis), sexual dysfunction (vaginal complaint, discharge, and irregular menstruation), and dermatological (pruritus, rash, and inflammation) problems.
CONCLUSION
High priorities in referring to PHC had a key role in assessing the country's health needs. Since this study was in line with the national pattern of complaints and patients' profile, the present findings can be helpful to amend policy-making, educational planning and curricula development in medical schools.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Delivery of Health Care; Electronic Health Records; Female; Humans; Iran; Male; Middle Aged; Primary Health Care; Referral and Consultation; Young Adult
PubMed: 35421968
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07880-z