Prevalência de candidíase vulvovaginal em usuárias de anti-inflamatórios esteroidais que realizaram exame de Papanicolau

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a superficial infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, essentially results from the rupture of the commensal relationship between host and pathogen. Affecting around 75% of women at some point in their lives, VVC is currently considered one of the main causes of vaginal symptoms. In general, several factors associated with microbiota imbalances or host immunosuppression can predispose and increase susceptibility to this fungal infection. In this context, knowing that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (AIEs) are capable of causing biochemical and immunological changes in their users, the present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the use of these drugs and the occurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis. To this end, respecting the rules and guidelines of Resolution no. 510/2016 of the National Health Council, information regarding cervical-vaginal cytological examinations carried out from February to August 2023 was extracted from the database of a private Clinical Analysis Laboratory located in Campina Grande/PB, it was found that of the 854 reports suggesting VVC, 73% had recorded the use of corticosteroids in their medical records, with Prednisolone and Budesonide being the most commonly used drugs. Furthermore, regarding the immunological aspect, it is noted that the most prevalent quantitative changes in the leukograms of these patients are neutrophilia and monocytosis, accompanied by a decrease in the other cellular components of the immune system in peripheral blood. Therefore, it is concluded that cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis are more prevalent in women who use EIAs due to the immunosuppressive effects promoted by these drugs.