Probiotics and Vulvovaginal Infections in Pregnant Women
Author Information
Author(s): Yefet Enav, Suleiman Abeer, Colodner Raul, Battino Shlomo, Wattad Malak, Kuzmin Olga, Nachum Zohar
Primary Institution: Tzafon Medical Center, Poriya, Israel
Hypothesis
Does oral probiotic supplementation prevent vulvovaginal infections in pregnant women?
Conclusion
The oral probiotic product did not reduce the rate of vulvovaginal infections in pregnant women with normal vaginal flora.
Supporting Evidence
- The rate of vulvovaginal infections was similar in both the probiotic and placebo groups.
- No woman had vaginal colonization with lactobacilli from the probiotic capsule.
- Women in the probiotic group reported less pruritus at the last visit.
Takeaway
The study tested if taking probiotics could help pregnant women avoid infections down there, but it didn't work.
Methodology
A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with pregnant women receiving either probiotics or placebo.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of women with certain conditions and reliance on self-reported symptoms.
Limitations
The study population included women with different types of infections, and it was not powered to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women aged 18 and older, with normal vaginal flora, recruited from outpatient clinics.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.80
Statistical Significance
p = 0.80
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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