Abstract
The Rosalind Franklin Society (RFS), in partnership with Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, enthusiastically congratulate our distinguished recipient of the 2023 annual
Carla Dias de Oliveira, Ana Maria Homem de Mello Bianchi, Madalena Leonor Pereira Campos, Maria Cristina Caceres Nogueira, Marair Gracio Ferreira Sartori, and Neila Maria de Góis Speck, “Women with Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Treated with Vaginal Estriol, Microablative Fractional CO2 Laser and Microablative Fractional Radiofrequency: A Randomized Pilot Study,” Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery 41, no. 12 (December 2023): 718–724, https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2023.0113.
Abstract
Objective: This pilot study intended to assess the feasibility of a large-scale randomized clinical trial designed to analyze the effectiveness of microablative fractional CO2 laser (CO2L) and microablative fractional radiofrequency (RF) compared with vaginal estriol (VE) as treatments for women with moderate-to-severe Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
Methods: Participants were randomized into VE, CO2L, or RF groups. In the VE group, women were required to use vaginal estriol cream for 14 days and then twice a week for 4 months. In the CO2L and RF groups, three energy therapies were administered at monthly intervals. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for GSM symptoms, Female Sexual Function Index (FSF-I), Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Nugent Score (NS) were analyzed before and 120 days after the beginning of the treatments. Pain scores were verified after each CO2L and RF session.
Results: Thirty-four participants completed the study: 11 in the VE group, 11 in the CO2L group, and 12 in the RF group. No unexpected or serious adverse events were observed. We also verified that GSM symptoms, sexual function, and VHI significantly improved (p < 0.05) with no difference among the groups. NS did not show statistically significant difference before and after the treatments. Pain during RF application was associated with higher scores.
Conclusions: The study is feasible and does not seem to have safety implications. Preliminary results suggest that CO2L and RF are good alternatives to VE for ameliorating clinical symptoms, FSF-I, and VHI in patients with GSM. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT04045379.
Biosketch
Carla Dias de Oliveira is a gynecologist and researcher at Sao Paulo Federal University.
Carla specializes in Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy and received her Master’s degree also from Sao Paulo Federal University.
Her current research focuses on alternative treatments for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause based on energy’s use.
She believes that Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is a widespread condition with a great impact on quality of life and intimal relationships. Therefore, she seeks to provide the best treatment methods for women under this circumstance.