Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis as a manifestation of vitamin D deficiency associated with Crohn disease: case reports and review of the literature

Cutis. 2010 Jul;86(1):39-46.

Abstract

Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) is a chronic disorder associated with yellow vaginal discharge, vulvovaginal burning and pruritus, and dyspareunia. The cause of DIV is unknown; however, infectious, hormonal, and inflammatory etiologies have been proposed. In this series, we observe the association of DIV and vitamin D deficiency by reporting 4 cases of women with DIV and vitamin D deficiency associated with Crohn disease. We further show that the DIV symptoms resolve when the circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-HD) returned to normal. These data provide further support for the notion that DIV can be associated with vitamin D deficiency and DIV symptoms reflect altered vaginal mucous membrane function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Mucous Membrane / pathology
  • Vaginitis / etiology*
  • Vaginitis / physiopathology
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / etiology

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D