Bacterial Vaginosis, Vulvovaginal Candidiases
Conditions
Brief summary
Antimicrobials have helped in managing vaginal dysbiotic conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). However, their increasing inefficiency and rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge and threat to public health. Therefore, this study will investigate the safety and efficacy of light as an antimicrobial to treat vulvovaginal infections.
Detailed description
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are two of the most common vaginal infections, affecting millions of women worldwide. These infections can cause significant discomfort, reduced quality of life, and, in some cases, negative reproductive outcomes. Despite their prevalence, challenges remain in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term management, highlighting the need for new treatment methods and solid clinical evidence. BV occurs when there is an imbalance in the normal vaginal microbiota with symptoms of vaginal discharge and irritation. BV also increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections and negative pregnancy outcomes. Treatments with antibiotics have varying effectiveness and high recurrence rates. VVC is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans and presents as itching, burning, and thick, cottage cheese-like discharge. Although antifungal medications are often effective, recurrent VVC (RVVC) is a significant challenge requiring long-term treatment. There is also a risk of resistance to antibiotic and antifungal medications. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are common, which can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Overuse of antimicrobial medications can cause side effects and resistance. Therefore, there is a need for new treatment methods to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This clinical trial represents a first in human pilot, efficacy study of the effectiveness of vaginal light therapy in women with BV and/or VVC. The study will also evaluate the safety and tolerability of the treatment, as well as examine the underlying vaginal microbial dynamics.
Interventions
DEVICEVaginal light therapy - Once
Vaginal light therapy device will deliver UVA and blue light to target symptom causing microbes in single treatment session.
DEVICEVaginal Light Therapy - Once
Vaginal light therapy device will deliver UVA and blue light to target symptom causing microbes in single treatment session.
DEVICEVaginal Light Therapy - Twice
Vaginal light therapy device will deliver UVA and blue light to target symptom causing microbes in two treatment sessions.
Sponsors
UVISA Health ApS
Odense University Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18-45 years of age * Normal gynecological status * Diagnosed for BV or VVC * Not pregnant * No signs of other genital tract infections
Exclusion criteria
* Current signs of other genital tract infection including STD * Concomitant medication for treatment of vaginal infections or use of any intravaginal medication during the clinical investigation * Pregnancy * Current genital malignancies, chemotherapy for any reason within the last 6 months, previous radiotherapy in the genitourinary system. Cervical dysplasia diagnosis or treatment within the last 3 months (where applicable)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Patient reported reduction in symptoms of BV/VVC | Upto 2 months | Patient-reported symptoms of BV and VVC will be recorded before and after the treatment through a vaginal health questionnaire to evaluate the efficacy of light treatment based on the following scale: Symptom severity: 0 - 4, Lower the score, better the outcome Impact on everyday life: 0 - 4, Lower the score, better the outcome |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical resolution of BV and/or VVC | Upto 2 months | Patients will be examined for the objective signs of BV and VVC post treatment. |
| Healthier vaginal microbiome as compared to pre-treatment state. | Upto 2 months | Vaginal swabs will be collected to evaluate vaginal microbiome dynamics before and after the treatment. |
| Vaginal health questionnaire | 2 Weeks | User experience of the device will be evaluated using the vaginal health questionnaire and following scale: Device Use Experience: 0 - 4, Lower the score, better the outcome |
Countries
Denmark
Outcome results
None listed