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The Journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology"Journal HistoryAims and ScopePolicies on Conflict of Interest, Human and Animal Rights, and Informed ConsentEditorial ProcessData sharing statementAdvertising PolicyThe Process for Handling Cases Requiring Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of ConcernEditorial BoardEditorial CounsilInformation for ProfessionalsNewsContacts
ArchiveEthical StandardsSubscription
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InstructionsInformed consent policyContract offerEASE GuidelinesICJME CriteriaWAME Recommendations on ChatGPT and Chatbots in Relation to Scholarly Publications
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Obstetrics and Gynegology2021№5
Topical glucocorticosteroids: efficacy and safety...

Topical glucocorticosteroids: efficacy and safety in gynecology

DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2021.5.166-172

Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I.

1) Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia; 2) City Clinical Hospital No. 24, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russia
Topical glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are one of the most commonly prescribed groups of drugs in dermatology. Due to the high anti-inflammatory efficacy of GCS, this group of drugs is capable of rapid elimination of skin and mucosal symptoms, such as itching and burning. These symptoms represent a significant decrease in the quality of life in patients with both non-infectious and infectious diseases affecting the vulva. The range of available topical GCS includes drugs characterized by varying degrees of activity. Unlike dermatological practice, the use of topical GCS with enhanced activity in gynecology can lead to a remarkable increase in systemic absorption and, therefore, the risk of side effects. This review includes the most relevant issues of the efficacy and safety of topical GCS in gynecology.
Conclusion. The analysis of international clinical guidelines and published results of clinical studies indicate the necessity to limit the duration of the use of highly active topical GCS in gynecological practice and to choose drugs of moderate or low activity, including hydrocortisone, as a long-term therapy. The low level of systemic absorption in the vulvovaginal area and the low risk of adverse drug reactions, along with the high level of delivery of hydrocortisone to the cells of the mucous membrane, suggest that the drug has therapeutic potential for safe and effective use in gynecology.

Keywords

topical glucocorticosteroids
hydrocortisone
prednisolone
vulvovaginitis
vulvitis
Full text (in Russian)

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Received 15.05.2021

Accepted 17.05.2021

About the Authors

Sergey K. Zyryanov, M.D, professor, the Head of the Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology of the Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia; Deputy Chief Medical Officer, City Clinical Hospital No. 24, Moscow City Health Department. Tel. +7(495)787-38-03. E-mail: zyryanov_sk@rudn.university.
ORCID: 0000-0002-6348-6867. 117198, Russia, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 6; 127015, Russia, Miscow, Pistzovaya str., 10.
Olga I. Butranova, Ph.D, Associated Professor of the Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology of the Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
Tel.: +7(903)376-71-40. E-mail: butranova-oi@rudn.ru. ORCID: 0000-0001-7729-2169. 117198, Russia, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 6.

For citation: Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I. Topical glucocorticosteroids: efficacy and safety in gynecology.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya / Obstetrics and gynecology. 2021; 5: 166-172 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2021.5.166-172

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