Exploring the Effects of Non-ablative Er:YAG Laser on Patients Suffering From Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 167
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Improvement of bothersome symptoms (burning sensation,/irritation, itching or soreness, dyspareunia, dysuria, abnormal vaginal discharge
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The objective of the study wa to assess the safety, acceptability and effectiveness of non-ablative Er:YAG laser therapy for treatment of symptoms and microbiological conditions of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Eligible patients have received 4 laser therapies within four moths and will be assessed at baseline, 3 months and 9 months after last laser therapy.
The effects of laser therapy have been assessed by following the vaginal microbial status, by assessing the five bothersome symptoms related to vaginal infection (burning, itching, dyspareunia, dysuria, and abnormal discharge), by assessing the overall patient satisfaction, and throughout the study the safety of the laser therapy has been monitored.
Detailed Description
Genital candidiasis is a common fungal infection that affects both men and women, though it is more frequently observed in women. It is estimated that up to 75% of women will experience at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) during their lifetime. The primary causative agents are Candida albicans and other non-albicans pathogenic fungal species.
The likelihood of developing genital candidiasis can be influenced by factors such as age and hormonal changes. Women of reproductive age, especially those who are pregnant, using hormonal contraceptives, or experiencing hormonal fluctuations, are at higher risk. The highest prevalence rate, 9%, is reported among women aged 25 to 34 years. Antibiotic use, which can disrupt the body's microbial balance, is a known risk factor for genital candidiasis, along with other factors like obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, corticosteroid use, chronic stress, and certain lifestyle choices.
Clinical guidelines recommend oral fluconazole or itraconazole as the first-line treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). However, after stopping maintenance therapy, a recurrence rate of 40%-50% is expected. While clinical resistance to antifungal agents is rare, overexposure to azoles can lead to resistant strains of C. albicans. Additionally, non-albicans Candida species, such as C. glabrata, often show dose-dependent susceptibility or resistance to fluconazole and other azole agents, and their prevalence is increasing. Given the limited therapeutic options, innovative treatment strategies are necessary.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Na
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •adult women (> 18 years)
- •diagnosis of recurrent vaginal yeast infection (> 4 infection per year)
Exclusion Criteria
- •patients having contraindications to laser therapy (epilepsy, pregnancy, acute systemic infection)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Improvement of bothersome symptoms (burning sensation,/irritation, itching or soreness, dyspareunia, dysuria, abnormal vaginal discharge
Time Frame: Change from Baseline at 3 and 9 months after last intervention
Patients were required to assess the symptom severity on a 0-10 VAS (Visual Analog Pain) scale, 0 referring to "absence of symptom" and 10 referring to "intolerable symptom"
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in lab cultures of vaginal swabs(Change from Baseline at 3 and 9 months after last intervention)
- Patient satisfaction with 5-point Likert scale(Improvement from Baseline at 3 and 9 months after last intervention)
- Recording of frequency and severity of adverse effects related to laser treatment(9 months)
Investigators
Adrian Gaspar
Medical Director
Espacio Gaspar Clinic