Efficacy and safety of single dose of oral secnidazole 2 g in treatment of bacterial vaginosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Single-Strain Probiotic Lactobacilli for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Probiotics are known for their positive effects on the gut microbiota. There is growing evidence that the infant gut and skin colonization have a role in the development of the immune system, which may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis. This systematic review focused on evaluating the effect of single-strain probiotic lactobacilli consumption on treating children's atopic dermatitis. Seventeen randomized placebo-controlled trials with the primary outcome of the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index were included in the systematic review. Clinical trials using single-strain lactobacilli were included. The search was conducted until October 2022 using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane library and manual searches. The Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Meta-analyses and sub meta-analyses were performed using Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Due to different methods of reporting the SCORAD index, only 14 clinical trials with 1124 children were included in the meta-analysis (574 in the single-strain probiotic lactobacilli group and 550 in the placebo group) and showed that single-strain probiotic lactobacilli statistically significantly reduced the SCORAD index compared to the placebo in children with atopic dermatitis (mean difference [MD]: -4.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -7.50 to -1.49; Z = 2.93; p = 0.003; heterogeneity I² = 90%). The subgroup meta-analysis showed that strains of Limosilactobacillus fermentum were significantly more effective than strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei or Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. A longer treatment time and younger treatment age statistically significantly reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis shows that certain single-strain probiotic lactobacilli are more successful than others in reducing atopic dermatitis severity in children. Therefore, careful consideration to strain selection, treatment time and the age of the treated patients are important factors in enhancing the effectiveness of reducing atopic dermatitis in children when choosing probiotic single-strain lactobacilli.

Vaginitis in Nonpregnant Patients: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 215

Vaginitis is defined as inflammation or infection of the vagina and is associated with a spectrum of symptoms, including vulvovaginal itching, burning, irritation, dyspareunia, "fishy" vaginal odor, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Vaginal symptoms are some of the most frequent reasons for patient visits to obstetrician-gynecologists () and may have important consequences in terms of discomfort and pain, days lost from school or work, sexual functioning, and self-image (). Distinguishing vaginal from vulvar symptoms is important to direct evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this document is to provide updated evidence-based guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of the common causes of vaginitis in nonpregnant patients. Information on the treatment of vaginitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is covered elsewhere (). Guidelines are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on vaginitis diagnosis and treatment, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sexually Transmitted Diseases webpage, which is available at https://www.cdc.gov/std/.