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Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Sep 2023Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common vaginal infections worldwide. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common vaginal infections worldwide. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of probiotics in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Scientific Information Database (SID), IranMedex, and Google Scholar search engine was performed. The search was conducted from inception to 1 October 2022, to identify published English or Persian language randomized control trials (RCTs) of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis who received probiotics as medical treatment. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine checklist All statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) version 2.
RESULTS
Six RCTs were included in this review. The results showed that treatment with probiotic was not different from placebo regarding the rate of positive culture (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.390 to 3.26, P=0.825); treatment with probiotic was more effective compared to placebo regarding the rate of recurrence. (OR: 0.14; P= 0.01; 95 % CI: 0.028-0.7).
CONCLUSION
Probiotics have a beneficial effect in the treatment of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Our results provide evidence for an alternative treatment modality for vaginal candidiasis using probiotics.
Topics: Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Probiotics; Humans; Female; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38784519
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v33i5.18 -
Heliyon Nov 2023Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as 3 or more episodes of symptomatic Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) within a year. Out of 75 % of women with VVC,...
BACKGROUND
Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as 3 or more episodes of symptomatic Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) within a year. Out of 75 % of women with VVC, this debilitating infection is experienced by 9 % of women. Although standard guidelines recommend oral and topical fluconazole as its treatment regimen, approval of another drug Oteseconazole has drawn the attention because of its better safety profile and lower recurrence rate by its use.
AIM
The purpose of our Meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Oteseconazole (Vivjoa) (VT-1161) in the treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC).
METHODOLOGY
Four databases namely PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL and Clinical Trial.gov were used from inception till June 2023. Studies that met the predefined inclusion criteria were statistically analyzed on RevMan (Version 5.4). A random effect model was used to pool the studies. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant and results were presented as Odds ratio with 95 % Confidence Intervals (CIs).
RESULT
The pooled analysis of our selected studies showed that Oteseconazole was associated with significantly reduced incidence of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (OR = 0.07; 95 % CI = 0.05-0.11; p < 0.00001, I = 0 %) through week 48. Additionally, Vivjoa has also been shown by our analysis to reduce incidence of RVVC through week 24. (OR = 0.05; 95 % CI = 0.03-0.09; p < 0.00001, I = 0 %) Furthermore, Oteseconazole was non-significantly associated with developing serious adverse effects during the treatment for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in comparison to the placebo (OR = 0.79; 95 % CI = 0.33-1.89; p = 0.60, I2 = 0 %).
CONCLUSION
The available evidence suggests Oteseconazole to be safer and more efficacious. However, limited patient population points towards the need of further large and dedicated trials for definitive conclusion.
PubMed: 37920530
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20495 -
Patient Education and Counseling Jan 2024This systematic review aims to identify what is known about patient and healthcare professional experiences of managing recurrent vulvovaginal thrush by synthesising... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to identify what is known about patient and healthcare professional experiences of managing recurrent vulvovaginal thrush by synthesising published findings.
METHODS
Five databases were searched for studies on patient and healthcare professional experiences managing recurrent thrush. Two reviewers independently screened and quality assessed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Findings from eligible studies were thematically synthesised.
RESULTS
720 papers were identified, and 29 were included. Four descriptive themes were developed to depict the repeated management of recurrent thrush. These themes were: (re)experiencing impacts, (re)identifying recurrent thrush, (re)considering consultations, and (re)trying treatments. An analytic high-order frame of 'interwoven and reoccurring uncertainties' was used to understand these themes.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients and healthcare providers face uncertainties when managing recurrent thrush. The inconsistencies raised across papers suggests an unaddressed gap in knowledge about patient experiences and their informational and support needs; this includes insights about this condition's diagnosis, management, treatment, impacts, and meaning.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
This review has implications for patient education, health promotion, and communication between patients and providers. Our interpretations suggest the need for more research and resources to help support patients and clinicians in managing this condition to promote more understanding, communication, and collaborative care.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Communication; Delivery of Health Care; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37826917
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.108004