May 6, 2003

Science Selections May 2003

Money continues to be spent on observational studies attempting to link bacterial vaginosis (BV) to preterm delivery. Despite considerable financial investment, the results are at best confusing. Two recent studies address whether using oral metronidazole to treat pregnant women with BV reduces the incidence of preterm delivery. A well-conceived study by McDonald et al. examined treatment not o...

Forum May 2003

Objective: To evaluate amniotic fluid glucose, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12 for diagnosing subclinical chorioamnionitis in women with preterm labor. Methods: Forty-four women in preterm labor at 22–35 weeks gestation with suspected subclinical chorioamnionitis underwent amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid analysis included Gram stain, culture, and determination of g...

Extramural Update May 2003

Recently, vaginal douching has been associated with many health risks in women. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of commercial douche products against various vaginal microorganisms , including lactobacilli. Seven commercial douches were tested against eight Lactobacillus clinical isolates and three type strains from the American Type Culture Collection. BV-associated bacteria in...

NIEHS News May 2003

A 55-year-old gravida 4, para 2022 Caucasian woman was referred for evaluation and management of chronic recurrent vulvovaginitis. The patient reported approximately five years of vaginal symptoms consisting primarily of ‘burning’ and ‘itching’, with ‘outbreaks’ occurring every 1–3 months. She had been treated, in response to symptoms and culture results, with a variety of systemic and topical ...

Accepted 12 May 2003