Objectives: This study evaluated use of long-term fluconazole beyond an initial 6-month course of weekly fluconazole in premenopausal patients with idiopathic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) due to Candida albicans.
Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of women seen in Wayne State University Vaginitis Clinic with culture-confirmed idiopathic RVVC due to Candida albicans during a 10-year period (January 2006 to December 2015). Only patients without risk factors for secondary VVC and who initiated a 6-month course of weekly fluconazole therapy were selected. Data included long-term use of fluconazole therapy, treatment efficacy, and development of fluconazole resistance. Questionnaires were mailed to evaluate patient's experience after fluconazole therapy.
Results: Of 883 patients with RVVC based on clinical records, 191 with culture positive idiopathic RVVC due to C. albicans were started on the maintenance fluconazole regimen, and 147 (77.0%) completed 6 months of therapy. Of these, 107 (72.8%) continued or received maintenance past 6 months. The most common reason for additional fluconazole therapy was culture-confirmed VVC recurrence (55.1%), unconfirmed but possible VVC recurrence (16.8%), and patient preference (10.3%). The mean duration of fluconazole maintenance was 35.7 (range = 7-288) months. Fluconazole resistance emerged in 7.5% completing 6-month therapy. Upon questionnaire follow-up, 93.6% of 51 respondents reported benefit during maintenance regimen; however, 80.9% described relapse after discontinuing weekly therapy.
Conclusions: Fluconazole suppression therapy was highly effective in preventing VVC symptoms but was rarely curative and VVC relapse occurred frequently after discontinuation of maintenance therapy. The development of drug resistance in C. albicans isolates after long-term fluconazole maintenance therapy although uncommon is a previously unrecognized complication.