title: Lactacyd FH as an adjuvant therapy for vulvovaginal infections in Pakistani women: FRESH study, a satisfaction survey.
abstract: To demonstrate that adjuvant therapy with lactic acid+lactoserum solution provides satisfactory symptomatic relief and is safe in patients with vulvo-vaginal infections.
  
  
  
  The open-label survey was conducted at 96 private consultation clinics in 14 cities across Pakistan from May to October 2010, and included consecutive patients >18 years of age with first/recurrent episode of vulvo-vaginal infections, having clinical signs and symptoms of such infections, receiving antibiotics for current infections. Data collected included vulvo-vaginal infection symptoms, baseline history of diabetes and hormone replacement therapy, bimanual examination, and current antibiotic treatment. Follow-up was done at 14 days. Compliance and symptomatic relief, safety (solicited reporting) was noted on day 14 or anytime during the study period.
  
  
  
  Overall, 919 patients were enrolled. Of these, 842(91.6%) patients completed the study. The mean age was 32.6±8.4 years and 295(35%) were diagnosed to have bacterial vaginosis, 278(33%) vaginal candidiasis, and 126(15%) trichomoniasis. The most commonly used antibiotic was metronidazole in 438(52%) cases. Patients used lactic acid+lactoserum for mean duration of 9.7 4.4 days, twice a day, and reported symptomatic relief by fourth day of application, as assessed by reduction in malodour in 681(80.1%) cases, itching 661(78.5%), burning sensation 652(77.4%), and pain 552(65.6%). Lactic acid+lactoserum was reported to be gentle on skin in 769(91.3%) cases, provide feeling of freshness 727(86.3%), and have mild fragrance 724(85.9%). Overall, 746(88.6%) patients reported satisfaction with lactic acid+lactoserum, and 671(79.7%) patients were willing to use it again. No adverse events were reported.
  
  
  
  Lactic acid+lactoserum as an adjuvant treatment of vulvo-vaginal infections demonstrated high percentage of satisfaction and safety in Pakistani women.
authors.affiliation: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit 1, Lady Wellington Hospital, Lahore Pakistan.
authors.forename: Amna Zia
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Eusaph
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology, Tariq Hospital Shad Bagh, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Robina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nighat
authors.affiliation: Sanofi-Aventis Pakistan.
authors.forename: Aasma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arshad
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007106:Immune Sera; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012915:Soaps; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007106:Immune Sera; D012915:Soaps; D019344:Lactic Acid; C008242:lactacyd
keywords: Adjuvant, Lactic acid, Lactoserum, Vaginal diseases, Pakistan.