Posaconazole as a Highly Efficacious Alternative for Treating Recurrent and Resistant Vulvovaginal Candidiasis [13A

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Candidiasis is the second most common type of vaginal infection. Sometimes successful treatment due to underlying conditions, long standing disease, or even resistance emerging against antifungals, make it a real challenge. New alternative options are needed to help our patients heal faster and for longer periods of time. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal descriptive study, in a private clinic setting IMIGO in Monterrey Mexico between January 2017 to October 2019, on 11 female patients with a diagnosis of recurrent and/or resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis between 23 to 59 years of age who after receiving multiple unsuccessful antifungal treatments, were treated with posaconazole as an alternative treatment option. Analysis of outcomes on recurrence of disease, disease free intervals, and number of treatment schedules needed for successful treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis were evaluated. RESULTS: The 11 patients included in the study previously received multiples cycles of antifungals ranging from 1 to 7 (fluconazole, itraconazole, nystatin, terbinafine) with remission periods from 3 days to a maximum of 5 months. All patients were treated with posaconazole without need of a second cycle with remissions ranging from 6 months to 21 months. CONCLUSION: Posaconazole showed great results in patients with vulvovaginal candida resistant and recurrent infections with longer remission periods. This first 11 patients results show posaconazole to be considered as an antifungal of choice in this cases.