Screen-and-treat Strategy for Vaginal Flora Abnormalities in Pregnant Women at High Risk of Preterm Birth

Summary

Preterm birth is an important cause of death and disabilities. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal dysbiosis or abnormal microbiota, with a predominance of anaerobic bacteria with a lack of Lactobacillus, with various diagnosis methods. Often asymptomatic, BV increases the risk of preterm birth according to the gestational age at diagnosis. BV is usually diagnosed by conventional diagnosis such as Nugent score. Molecular diagnosis of BV has been demonstrated to be more reproducible, more accurate and to better define dysbiosis.

The main objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative screen-and-treat strategy for vaginal flora abnormalities by molecular biology using a Point of Care multiplex technology before 18 weeks' gestation to reduce the rate of preterm birth in a population of pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth.

The hypothesis is that a strategy for screening and treating vaginal flora abnormalities and their recurrences using molecular biology in women with a history of prematurity or late-term abortion could be effective in reducing premature births by 40%.

Conditions

• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Vaginal Dysbiosis
• Premature Delivery

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Vaginal flora abnormalities screening and quantification using molecular biology technique

Vaginal self-sampling is a simple and validated method of sampling used for the molecular biology technique and the quantification of microorganisms involved in vaginal flora imbalance bacteriosis.The patient performs a self-sampling with a cotton swab transferred into a transport medium tube. The sample is sent to the laboratory where Multiplex Point of Care polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is performed.

DRUG

Azithromycine

In case of Chlamydia trachomatis infections, as well as significant increase of Fannyhessea vaginae: 1 g per os in a single dose; In case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection: 2 g per os in a single dose (associated to ceftriaxone 1g IM)

DRUG

Ceftriaxone

In case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections, 1g, associated to azithromycin 2 g per os in a single dose

DRUG

Metronidazole

Metronidazole ovules: In case of Trichomonas vaginalis infection during the 1st trimester of pregnancy: 1 ovule morning and evening for 14 days (French Society of Dermatology Recommendations 2016); Metronidazole 500 mg tablets in case of Trichomonas vaginalis infection during the 2nd or the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in a single dose of 2 g

DRUG

Clotrimazole, Vaginal

In case of Candida albicans infection in a single dose to be repeated up to 6 times if necessary.

OTHER

Usual Care

Patients will not be screened using molecular biology techniques in this group. The management of these patients is a matter of routine for health professionals. They will be free to prescribe a standard vaginal swab if symptoms are present and to treat their patients according to their usual protocols. No routine sampling is recommended in the absence of a history

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-08-31

Primary Completion

2027-03-31

Completion

2028-01-31