Publication:

Comparison of targeted management versus syndromatic management for abnormal vaginal discharge and the common microorganisms sensitivity associated with it

Background Abnormal vaginal discharge usually occurs in women of reproductive age group. There are many etiologies related to abnormal vaginal discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge is second most frequent issue, behind menstrual problem in women. The main aims and objectives of this study were to compare the targeted management to syndromic management in achieving the complete cure for vaginal discharge; and to find out the common organism in vaginal discharge, in high vaginal swab culture and sensitivity.

Methods The study was a randomized control trial, where 200 patients were enrolled. The study participants were divided into 2 groups, A and B. Group A was given treatment according to the lab results. Group B was treated according to the syndromic management of vaginal discharge.

Results In group A, 88% patients having bacterial infection were cured, 10 patients were partially cured by antibiotics. 40% patients in sub group B1 were cured, 40% patients with their partners cured in subgroup B2, 37% in sub group B3 were cured. In group A, 94 patients out of 100 had organism detected on lab test. 14 patients on per speculum examination had vaginitis with cervicitis, but in lab test only vaginitis was present.

Conclusions We can conclude that syndromic management of vaginal discharge is not an efficient approach for treatment. Low response in syndromic management is due to low sensitivity of clinical examination in diagnosing the nature of vaginal discharge. Development of simple and affordable diagnostic tests that can be used is of highest priority.