title: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial of vaginal acidification versus placebo for the treatment of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Vaginal acidification has been suggested as a means of normalizing the vaginal flora.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an acetic acid-based vaginal gel in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four patients with BV were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind clinic trial. Of these, 29 were evaluable. Patients were randomized to receive either 5 mL acetic acid gel (n = 14) or placebo gel (n = 15) intravaginally twice daily for 7 days. Clinical criteria and vaginal Gram stain scores were compared between the initial visit and at 2 weeks after initiating therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences were noted when comparing drug and placebo in terms of subjective or clinical improvement or improvement in Gram stain smears for bacterial vaginosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vaginal acidification with an acetic acid gel formulated to pH 3.9 to 4.1 was ineffective therapy for bacterial vaginosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Holley
authors.forename: Holly E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: R Edward
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Varner
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pair
authors.forename: Jane R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Schwebke
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D019342:Acetic Acid