Recurrent genital herpes: Specific features of pregravid preparation

Objective. To improve a preconception care method in female patients with recurrent genital herpes (RGH), by elaborating a novel etiologically and pathogenetic ally sound complex of therapy in conjunction with systemic traditional antiviral therapy in combination with an agent containing lipoteichoic and glycyrrhizic acids (GA) (Colpocid-gel). Subjects and methods. The results of treatment and preconception care were comparatively analyzed in 120 female patients with RGH. Group 1 (n = 60) received traditional antiviral therapy with acyclovir at a dose of 200 mg 5 times daily for 5 days; Group 2 (a study group) (n = 60) had combined treatment encompassing etiotropical therapy added by topical therapy with activated GA (Colpocid-gel) that was applied once daily to the external genital region and intravaginally for 10 days. Direct microscopy, direct immunofluorescence test, polymerase chain reaction, and serological diagnosis with determination of immunoglobulins M, A, and G were used. The concentration of cytokines in serum and cervical mucus was determined by a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. Results. The topical application of Colpocid-gel in combination with antiviral drugs used to treat herpetic infection was ascertained to enhance the clinical and microbiological eff iciency of treatment for genital herpes and to reduce the rate of recurrences and infectious complications during pregnancy and labor and the number of newborn babies with intrauterine infection. Colpocid-gel used in patients with RGH was found to induce temporary phasic activation of systemic and local immunity in the cervicovaginal mucosal area, which determined the activation of antiviral sanogenetic mechanisms and the more adequate elimination of herpes simplex virus. Conclusion. Etiologically sound systemic antiviral therapy during pathogenetically sound therapy with lipoteichoic and GA (Colpocid-gel) makes it possible to enhance the clinical, microbiological, and immunological efficiency of treatment in patients with RGH and to more successfully deliver preconception care.

recurrent genital herpes, preconception care, glycyrrhizic acid