TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR VULVO-VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS, 1993

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (WC), the second most common form of vaginiti s, particularly affects women of childbearing age. Since the 1970s, se veral new agents have become available for the treatment of VVC. This review focuses on options for the treatment of this condition, critica lly evaluating the relevant published studies. For the treatment of ac ute episodes of VVC in nonpregnant women, several topical and oral ant ifungal agents are clinically and mycologically effective, Topical age nts should be considered the first line of therapy; however, oral agen ts are sometimes associated with better compliance among patients, For acute episodes in pregnant women, a topical agent is the treatment of choice. Until data become available on the treatment of VVC in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the same approach as that used for women without HIV infection should be considered as pre viously written. For recurrent VVC, the optimal maintenance therapy ha s not yet been established; however, administration of low-dose oral k etoconazole (100 mg/d) has proven effective. Well-designed studies of the best therapy for VVC in women with HIV infection and for recurrent VVC are urgently needed.