[Vulvovaginal candidiasis in childhood--diagnostic and therapeutic results].

Purpose: This study aimed at establishing the link between clinical manifestations, microbiological diagnosis and the therapeutically approach in the treatment of vulvovaginitis candidosa in childhood.

Patients and methods: 35 patients aged 1-18 years were studied and divided into two groups. The criteria for establishing the diagnosis included the clinical symptoms, the native microscopic investigations and the microbiological control of the materials taken on the 14th and 30th day before and after treatment by means of a vaginal swab.

Results: Etiologically, vulvovaginitis was diagnosed as candidose in 35.71% and 80.95% for the two groups, respectively, by means of the native microscopic preparation. The mycological investigations confirmed the diagnosis in 23.81% of the cases. Other bacterial findings included enterococci, intestinal bacteria and staphylococci. Positive results of the local and combined therapy were reported in 67% of the cases on the 14th day, and in 65%--on the 30th day.

Conclusions: Vaginal fluorine tends to persist as compared to the remaining symptoms. Vulvovaginitis candidosa most commonly occurs in conjunction with other specific bacteria. Local therapy is recommended in acute infections and the combined therapy is more efficient in chronic conditions. Combined treatment should be administered in at least two 10-day courses because of a tendency to recurrence.