Metronidazole with Lactacyd vaginal gel in bacterial vaginosis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of lactic acid (Lactacyd vaginal gel; LVG) when given as an adjunct to metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among Filipino patients.


METHODS
A multicenter, open-labeled, controlled, randomized, three-arm comparative study on 90 women aged 18 years or over with clinically and microbiologically proven BV.


RESULTS
The lactobacilli colony count significantly increased over time in all three arms. At day 14, growth of lactobacilli was significantly higher among patients in the lactic acid gel and combination treatment arms. Significant reduction of malodorous vaginal discharge (whiff test) and lowest recurrence of BV were noted in the metronidazole plus lactic acid gel arm. Regarding disappearance of signs of BV, there was significant decrease in the pH level and frequency of clue cell positive patients across time but was not significantly different across treatment groups. Only one patient (3%, 1/60) among those who received lactic acid gel complained of increased curd-like discharge. Six patients (10%, 6/60) who received metronidazole complained of epigastric pain/discomfort, dizziness and dyspnea.


CONCLUSIONS
Lactic acid gel (LVG) is safe and as efficacious as metronidazole in the treatment of BV. There is evidence that LVG when combined with metronidazole is superior to metronidazole alone in promoting lactobacilli colonization. LVG as an adjunct to metronidazole, having the least number of recurrent BV, appears to result in better long-term treatment effect on bacterial vaginosis.
Decena
Ditas Cristina D
DC
University Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines. dcddecena@hotmail.com
Co
Jennifer T
JT
Manalastas
Ricardo M
RM
Palaypayon
Evelyn P
EP
Padolina
Christia S
CS
Sison
Judith M
JM
Dancel
Louella A
LA
Lelis
Marievi A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000254:growth & development; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009812:Odorants; D010679:Philippines; D012008:Recurrence; D012915:Soaps; D014621:Vagina / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019522:Vaginal Discharge; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007106:Immune Sera; D012915:Soaps; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D008795:Metronidazole; D019344:Lactic Acid; C008242:lactacyd