A Randomized Controlled Trial of Metronidazole Vaginal Cream in the Treatment of Papanicolaou Smears Showing Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS).
OBJECTIVE
To compare topical metronidazole gel vs. placebo to assess resolution to normal in subsequent Pap smears of patients with ASCUS.


METHODS
Patients with ASCUS pap smears were randomized to metronidazole or placebo. Resolution of ASCUS vs. persistence, or progression, was the endpoint. A subanalysis stratified patients for bacterial vaginosis (BV) to determine if this population responded differently. Discrete variables were compared using chi-square analysis.


RESULTS
Forty-nine patients received metronidazole and 52 received placebo. The rate of resolution in the placebo group were 60%, and 67% in the metronidazole group. With BV, the rate of resolution in the placebo group was 67%, and 70% in the metronidazole group. These were not significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of ASCUS Pap smears using topical metronidazole did not demonstrate a significant increase in the rate of resolution in subsequent Pap smears in the overall group nor in a subgroup with BV.
Thompson
L C
LC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado.
Oʼconnor
P
P
Gibbs
R S
RS