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01.11.2013 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Impact of vaginal ascorbic acid on abnormal vaginal microflora

verfasst von: Jana Zodzika, Dace Rezeberga, Gilbert Donders, Natalija Vedmedovska, Olga Vasina, Inara Pundure, Ruta Bite, Ingrida Silberga, Julija Socenova, Olita Melngaile

Erschienen in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Ausgabe 5/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of vaginal ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a treatment/maintenance regimen on increased vaginal pH and abnormal microflora on wet mounts in premenopausal women.

Methods

A randomized study of 140 asymptomatic, low-risk pregnant and non-pregnant premenopausal women with vaginal pH ≥ 4.5 and a variety of partly/completely disrupted Lactobacillus microflora patterns on wet mounts in five outpatient clinics was carried out. Participants were randomized to the intervention group [250 mg vitamin C tablets vaginally at bedtime once a day for 6 days (treatment phase), followed by a one tablet per week, for 12 weeks (maintenance phase)] or the control group (no treatment). Outcomes were evaluated 4 months after randomizing, i.e., 2–3 weeks after the last vitamin C tablet insertion.

Results

Normalization to normal flora was observed in 51.4 % of all ascorbic acid and in 24.3 % of control group patients (difference 27.1 %, 95 % CI 11.7–42.6, p < 0.05, ITT population). In the per protocol population, normalization was confirmed in 53.5 % of the intervention and 22.4 % of the control group (difference 31 %, 95 % CI 14.3–47.8, p < 0.05). Results of pregnant subgroup analysis showed better outcomes for the subgroup: difference of normalization rate between ascorbic acid and control group was 41.2 % (95 % CI 21.8–60.1, p < 0.05). Itching occurred in 19 %; 23 % of women reported irritation and 10 % stopped the treatment because of side effects.

Conclusions

Vaginal ascorbic acid improves abnormal vaginal pH and microflora, especially in pregnant women, but is not well tolerated by all women.

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Titel: Impact of vaginal ascorbic acid on abnormal vaginal microflora
verfasst von: Jana Zodzika
Dace Rezeberga
Gilbert Donders
Natalija Vedmedovska
Olga Vasina
Inara Pundure
Ruta Bite
Ingrida Silberga
Julija Socenova
Olita Melngaile
Publikationsdatum: 01.11.2013
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Ausgabe 5/2013
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-2876-y

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Impact of vaginal ascorbic acid on abnormal vaginal microflora