European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

JUYOUSHEN (JUC) FOR VAGINAL INFECTIONS DURING PREGNANCY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF EFFICACY, SAFETY, USABILITY, AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS

You Liang Cai, Jeannie, Dong Ling Qiu, Tjing Yung Loo*

ABSTRACT

Vaginal infections are common complications during pregnancy, associated with adverse maternal-fetal outcomes if untreated. Conventional treatments have limitations including systemic side effects, fetal risks, and high recurrence rates. Juyoushen (JUC), a long-acting physical antimicrobial material, has emerged as a promising alternative. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate Juyoushen (JUC)’s efficacy, safety, usability, and cost-effectiveness for pregnancy-related vaginal infections. Methods: We integrated data from 12 high-quality studies (7 randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 5 non-RCTs) involving 1,086 pregnant women. Efficacy indicators included total effective rate, cure rate, recurrence rate, and vaginal microecological recovery; safety was assessed via adverse reaction rates and fetal outcomes; usability and cost-effectiveness were compared with conventional treatments. Results: Juyoushen (JUC)’s total effective rate (97.2%) and cure rate (85.3%) were significantly higher than conventional treatments (91.5% and 72.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). Its recurrence rate (1.7%) was drastically lower than the control group (21.5%, P < 0.001), with superior lactobacilli recovery (89.6% vs. 72.8%, P < 0.001) and vaginal pH restoration (94.3% vs. 87.2%, P = 0.002). The adverse reaction rate of Juyoushen (JUC) (0.56%) was significantly lower than conventional treatments (18.7%, P < 0.001), with no fetal risks reported. Juyoushen (JUC) also demonstrated better usability (94%–95% adherence rate) and long-term cost-effectiveness. Conclusion: Juyoushen (JUC) is a safe, effective, user-friendly, and cost-effective first-line treatment for pregnancy-related bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and mixed infections, worthy of widespread clinical promotion.

Keywords: Juyoushen (JUC); Pregnancy; Vaginal Infections; Bacterial Vaginosis; Vulvovaginal Candidiasis; Efficacy; Safety; Cost-Effectiveness.