A randomized, double-blind clinical trial of vaginal acidification versus placebo for the treatment of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Vaginal acidification has been suggested as a means of normalizing the vaginal flora.

GOAL:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an acetic acid-based vaginal gel in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

STUDY DESIGN:

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.

CONCLUSION:

Vaginal acidification with an acetic acid gel formulated to pH 3.9 to 4.1 was ineffective therapy for bacterial vaginosis.

• Authors: Robert L Holley, Holly E Richter, R Edward Varner, Lisa Pair, Jane R Schwebke
• Journal: Sexually transmitted diseases (Sex Transm Dis) Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 236-8 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 0148-5717 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15028938 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
• Acetic Acid

Topics

• Acetic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Administration, Intravaginal
• Adult
• Anti-Infective Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Treatment Outcome
• Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Vaginosis, Bacterial (drug therapy)