Establishing and sustaining a healthy vaginal environment: analysis of data from a randomized trial of periodic presumptive treatment for vaginal infections

J Infect Dis. 2011 Jul 15;204(2):323-6. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jir241.

Abstract

Data from a randomized trial of oral periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) to reduce vaginal infections were analyzed to assess the effect of the intervention on a healthy vaginal environment (normal flora confirmed by Gram stain with no candidiasis or trichomoniasis). The incidence of a healthy vaginal environment was 608 cases per 100 person-years in the intervention arm and 454 cases per 100 person-years in the placebo arm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.58). Sustained vaginal health (healthy vaginal environment for ≥3 consecutive visits) was also more frequent in the intervention arm (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.23-2.33). PPT is effective at establishing and sustaining a healthy vaginal environment.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Candida / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / prevention & control*
  • Chemoprevention / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trichomonas / isolation & purification
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / prevention & control*
  • Vagina / physiology*
  • Vaginal Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Placebos