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Kirtschig G, Kinberger M, Kreuter A, Simpson R, Günthert A, van Hees C, Becker K, Ramakers MJ, Corazza M, Müller S, von Seitzberg S, Boffa MJ, Stein R, Barbagli G, Chi CC, Dauendorffer JN, Fischer B, Gaskins M, Hiltunen-Back E, Höfinger A, Köllmann NH, Kühn H, Larsen HK, Lazzeri M, Mendling W, Nikkels AF, Promm M, Rall KK, Regauer S, Sárdy M, Sepp N, Thune T, Tsiogka A, Vassileva S, Voswinkel L, Wölber L, Werner RN. EuroGuiderm guideline on lichen sclerosus-introduction into lichen sclerosus. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024. [PMID: 38822578 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory skin disease affecting all ages. LS typically involves the anogenital site where it causes itching and soreness. It may lead to sexual and urinary dysfunction in females and males; however, it may be asymptomatic. First signs of LS are redness and oedema, typically followed by whitening of the genital skin; sometimes fissuring, scarring, shrinkage and fusion of structures may follow in its course. LS is associated with an increased risk of genital cancer. LS has a huge impact on the quality of life of affected patients, and it is important to raise more awareness of this not uncommon disease in order to diagnose and treat it early. OBJECTIVES The guideline intends to provide guidance on the diagnostic of LS, highlight important aspects in the care of LS patients (part 1), generate recommendations and treatment algorithms (part 2) on topical, interventional and surgical therapy, based on the latest evidence, provide guidance in the management of LS patients during pregnancy, provide guidance for the follow-up of patients with LS and inform about new developments and potential research aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The guideline was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Methods Manual v1.3 https://www.edf.one/de/home/Guidelines/EDF-EuroGuiDerm.html. The wording of the recommendations was standardized (as suggested by the GRADE Working Group). The guideline development group is comprised of 34 experts from 16 countries, including 5 patient representatives. RESULTS Ultrapotent or potent topical corticosteroids in females and males, adults and children remain gold standard of care for genital LS; co-treatment with emollients is recommended. If standard treatment fails in males, a surgical intervention is recommended, complete circumcision may cure LS in males. UV light treatment is recommended for extragenital LS; however, there is limited scientific evidence. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are second line treatment. Laser treatment, using various wave lengths, is under investigation, and it can currently not be recommended for the treatment of LS. Treatment with biologics is only reported in single cases. CONCLUSIONS LS has to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible in order to minimize sequelae like scarring and cancer development. Topical potent and ultrapotent corticosteroids are the gold standard of care; genital LS is often a lifelong disease and needs to be treated long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kirtschig
- Medbase Health Centre, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
| | - M Kinberger
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Division of Evidence- Based Medicine (dEBM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, HELIOS St. Elisabeth Hospital Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany
| | - R Simpson
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - A Günthert
- Gynäkologisches Tumorzentrum St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - C van Hees
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Becker
- Office for Paediatric Surgery, Bonn, Germany
| | - M J Ramakers
- CenSeRe (Centre for Psychological, Relational, Sexual Health), Voorschoten, The Netherlands
| | - M Corazza
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Müller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - M J Boffa
- Department of Dermatology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - R Stein
- Center for Pediatric, Adolescent and Reconstructive Urology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - G Barbagli
- Centro Chirurgico Toscano, Arezzo, Italy
| | - C C Chi
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - J N Dauendorffer
- Department of Dermatology, Centre for Genital and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, University Hospital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - B Fischer
- The Swiss Lichen Sclerosus Association, Switzerland/Verein Lichen Sclerosus e.V., Dottikon, Switzerland
| | - M Gaskins
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Division of Evidence- Based Medicine (dEBM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Hiltunen-Back
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Höfinger
- The Swiss Lichen Sclerosus Association, Switzerland/Verein Lichen Sclerosus e.V., Dottikon, Switzerland
| | - N H Köllmann
- The Swiss Lichen Sclerosus Association, Switzerland/Verein Lichen Sclerosus e.V., Dottikon, Switzerland
| | - H Kühn
- The German Lichen Sclerosus Association, Germany
| | - H K Larsen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Lazzeri
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (MI), Italy
| | - W Mendling
- German Center for Infections in Gynecology and Obstetrics, at Helios University Hospital Wuppertal- University Witten/Herdecke, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - A F Nikkels
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - M Promm
- Department of Paediatric Urology and Clinic St. Hedwig, University Medical Centre of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - K K Rall
- Department of Women's Health, Women's University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - S Regauer
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Sárdy
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - N Sepp
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria
| | - T Thune
- Department of Dermatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Tsiogka
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, 1st Department of Dermatology-Venereology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - S Vassileva
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - L Voswinkel
- The German Lichen Sclerosus Association, Germany
| | - L Wölber
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf and Centre for Colposcopy and Vulvovaginal Disease Jersualem Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R N Werner
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Division of Evidence- Based Medicine (dEBM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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He Y, Liu L, Yang K, Sun K, Zhang Q, Yang M, Chang J. Quality of life and burden of disease of vulvar lichen sclerosus: A single-center retrospective study in China. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 165:672-676. [PMID: 38146751 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the quality of life and burden of disease of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) patients in three states of menstruation to better understand VLS. METHODS A total of 607 VLS patients were enrolled into this retrospective study. According to the ages of onset, menarche and menopause, the patients were divided into three groups: prepubertal group (n = 96), reproductive group (n = 400) and postmenopausal group (n = 111). Data were collected by direct interview and clinical examination. RESULTS A total of 93% of patients had itching, with a median numerical rating scale score of five. In the prepubertal group, the median score was three. Nocturnal itching occurred in 49.6% patients. Nearly half of the patients (45.9%) thought the itching affected their sleep. However, this ratio was very different in the prepubertal group (20.7%). Some patients (12.8%) cleaned their vulva more than seven times per week. Only 17.2% of patients experienced no effect on their sex life. The median dermatology life quality index score in all patients was six, but it was only three in the prepubertal group. The median number of hospital visits was two times, and the number of clinic visits was three times. Previous expenses, in median, were 2000 RMB. For 84.3% patients, the gynecologic clinic was their first choice. CONCLUSION VLS places great physical, mental and economic burdens on patients. Patients in the prepubertal group had milder symptoms and dermatology life quality index score. VLS should arouse the attention of patients and specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexi He
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kailv Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuli Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmin Chang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Di Giuseppe J, Delli Carpini G, Giannella L, Terenzi T, Fichera M, Ragno F, Campanati A, Boero V, Caia C, Pesce E, Vercellini P, Gardella B, Dominoni M, Spinillo A, Sopracordevole F, Clemente N, Del Fabro A, Rossi R, Corazza M, Borghi A, Martinello R, Greco P, Rizzo G, Criscuolo AA, Mappa I, Matteini E, Botti E, Campione E, Bianchi L, Ciavattini A. A Longitudinal Multiinstitutional Study of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: From Childhood to Perimenopause. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2024:00128360-990000000-00110. [PMID: 38661348 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main outcome of this study was the evaluation of clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and therapeutic approaches in patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) aged from childhood to perimenopause. Secondly, it was intended to compare these characteristics according to the menarchal status. METHODS Patients less than 45 years of age with a diagnosis of VLS from January 2002 to June 2022 in 10 referral centers were included in this retrospective longitudinal study. The univariate analysis compared the dependent variables according to menarchal status. RESULTS One hundred eighty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. At diagnosis, between 25% and 40% of premenarchal patients reported signs related to subepithelial hemorrhage. A significantly greater presence of bleeding (p < .005), easy bruising (p = .028), fissures (p = .008), petechiae/splinter hemorrhages (p < .001), and bleeding/blistering or open sores (p = .011) was observed in premenarchal patients with respect to the postmenarchal group. The perineum (p = .013) and the perianal region (p < .001) were significantly more involved in the premenarchal group. Topical calcineurin inhibitors were more used in the premenarchal population (p = .004), whereas vitamin E oil and moisturizers were more used in the postmenarchal population (p = .047). CONCLUSIONS Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic condition that can cause vulvar changes that result in severe morbidity and affects sexual function and quality of life, even before menopause. Vulvar lichen sclerosus continues to be misdiagnosed in this population. This may lead to an average delay from symptom onset to diagnosis. Evaluating clinical manifestations of VLS in premenarchal and postmenarchal age allowed us to find different clinical characteristics between the 2 periods suggestive of the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Giuseppe
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delli Carpini
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Giannella
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tomas Terenzi
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mariasole Fichera
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Ragno
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Dermatological Clinic, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Veronica Boero
- Gynaecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Caia
- Gynaecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pesce
- Gynaecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Gardella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mattia Dominoni
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Sopracordevole
- Gynecological Oncology Unit, IRCCS CRO - Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Nicolò Clemente
- Gynecological Oncology Unit, IRCCS CRO - Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Anna Del Fabro
- Gynecological Oncology Unit, IRCCS CRO - Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rossi
- Preventive Gynecological Oncology Section, European Medical Center, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Corazza
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ruby Martinello
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome Italy
| | - Anna Angela Criscuolo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome Italy
| | - Ilenia Mappa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome Italy
| | - Enrico Matteini
- U.O.C. Dermatology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Botti
- U.O.C. Dermatology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- U.O.C. Dermatology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- U.O.C. Dermatology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Università Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Obstetrics and Gynecologic Section, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Rivera S, Dehner K, Flood A, Dykstra C, Mauskar MM, DeMaria AL. Adverse healthcare experiences are correlated with increased time to diagnosis in women with vulvar inflammatory dermatoses: a retrospective cohort survey. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:761-762. [PMID: 38170454 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
This retrospective cohort survey of over 300 women examined diagnostic delay in vulvar dermatoses compared with nonvulvar control conditions (e.g. psoriasis or atopic dermatitis). Adverse healthcare experiences (e.g. uncertainty of which provider to consult, embarrassment in talking to providers) occurred more often for participants with vulvar disease and were significantly correlated with increased time to diagnosis in this group, which was not the case in control conditions. The findings suggest opportunities to improve care for people with vulvar disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Flood
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chandler Dykstra
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Melissa M Mauskar
- Department of Dermatology
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Andrea L DeMaria
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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Shaffer AB, Cigna ST, Pope R, Krapf JM. Pregnancy, parturition and postpartum considerations among patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus: A retrospective cross-sectional online survey. BJOG 2024; 131:327-333. [PMID: 37424180 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterise VLS and obstetric considerations among women during pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional online survey, 2022. SETTING International, English-speakers. POPULATION Self-identified individuals aged 18-50 diagnosed with VLS with symptom onset prior to pregnancy. METHODS Participants recruited from social media support groups and accounts, completed a 47-question survey including yes/no, multiple answer, and free-text responses. Data were analysed with frequency, means and the Chi-square test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES VLS symptom severity, mode of delivery, perineal laceration, source and sufficiency of information provided about VLS and obstetrics, anxiety about delivery, and postpartum depression. RESULTS Of 204 responses, 134 met inclusion criteria, encompassing 206 pregnancies. Mean respondent age was 35 years (SD 6) and mean age of VLS symptom onset, diagnosis and birth, was 22 (SD 8), 29 (SD 7) and 31 (SD 4) years, respectively. Symptoms decreased in 44% (n = 91) of pregnancies and increased during the postpartum period in 60% (n = 123). In all, 67% (n = 137) of pregnancies resulted in vaginal birth and 33% (n = 69) in caesarean birth. Anxiety for delivery due to VLS symptoms was reported by 50% (n = 103); 31% (n = 63) experienced postpartum depression. Of respondents previously diagnosed with VLS, 60% (n = 69) used topical steroids prior to pregnancy, 40% (n = 45) were treated during pregnancy and 65% (n = 75) postpartum. In all, 94% (n = 116) reported receiving an insufficient amount of information on the topic. CONCLUSION In this online survey, we found reported symptom severity remained unchanged or decreased during pregnancy, but increased postpartum. Use of topical corticosteroids decreased during pregnancy compared with before and after pregnancy. Half of the respondents reported anxiety regarding VLS and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa B Shaffer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah T Cigna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rachel Pope
- Division of Women's Sexual Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Urology Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jill M Krapf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington, DC, USA
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Smith AB, Muhammad NI, Cigna ST, Krapf JM. A systematic review of sexual health consequences among women with lichen sclerosus. Sex Med Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition predominantly affecting the vulva. Studies have shown high rates of sexual dysfunction in patients with LS; however, the sexual effects of the condition are poorly acknowledged.
Objectives
We sought to identify sexual health consequences among women with vulvar LS through systematic review of available literature.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature was conducted to find reports on sexual health consequences among women with LS. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus were queried. Included articles were observational studies evaluating women with LS and their sexual health and randomized controlled trials or comparative studies utilizing a validated sexual health measure before intervention among the same population. Articles must have been written in English and published from January 1991 to April 2022.
Results
The search produced 683 references, including 32 articles that met criteria for full-text review and 20 reported studies that met inclusion criteria. Two studies investigated the impact of LS on interpersonal relationships, 6 studies evaluated sexual symptoms, 16%-60% reported sexual dysfunction, and 22%-56.7% reported dyspareunia. Also described were decreased sexual frequency and satisfaction, negative impact on sexual relationships, and feelings of inadequacy. Eight publications evaluated the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI); all described studies that demonstrated a central tendency less than 26.55. Four publications evaluated the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS); all demonstrated average scores greater than 12. Two publications evaluated the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), both found decreased scores compared to controls. Four publications evaluated the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); impact on quality of life was small to very large, with sexual difficulties affecting most study patients. One publication evaluated the Vulvar Quality of Life Index (VQLI); sexuality was the second highest-scoring subgroup.
Conclusions
Sexual health consequences of LS include sexual pain, dysfunction, and distress; negative genital self-image; and negative impact on sexual relationships. Women with LS experience a negative impact on quality of life, particularly related to sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa B Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington. DC, United States
| | | | - Sarah T Cigna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington. DC, United States
| | - Jill M Krapf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington. DC, United States
- Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders , Washington, DC, United States
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De Luca DA, Papara C, Vorobyev A, Staiger H, Bieber K, Thaçi D, Ludwig RJ. Lichen sclerosus: The 2023 update. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1106318. [PMID: 36873861 PMCID: PMC9978401 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1106318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an underdiagnosed inflammatory mucocutaneous condition affecting the anogenital areas. Postmenopausal women are predominantly affected and, to a lesser extent, men, prepubertal children, and adolescents. The etiology of LS is still unknown. Hormonal status, frequent trauma and autoimmune diseases are well-known associations for LS, yet infections do not seem to be clear risk factors. LS pathogenesis involves factors such as a genetic predisposition and an immune-mediated Th1-specific IFNγ-induced phenotype. Furthermore, there is a distinct expression of tissue remodeling associated genes as well as microRNAs. Oxidative stress with lipid and DNA peroxidation provides an enabling microenvironment to autoimmunity and carcinogenesis. Circulating IgG autoantibodies against the extracellular matrix protein 1 and hemidesmosome may contribute to the progression of LS or simply represent an epiphenomenon. The typical clinical picture includes chronic whitish atrophic patches along with itching and soreness in the vulvar, perianal and penile regions. In addition to genital scarring, and sexual and urinary dysfunction, LS may also lead to squamous cell carcinoma. Disseminated extragenital LS and oral LS are also reported. The diagnosis is usually clinical; however, a skin biopsy should be performed in case of an unclear clinical picture, treatment failure or suspicion of a neoplasm. The gold-standard therapy is the long-term application of ultrapotent or potent topical corticosteroids and, alternatively, topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus. Collectively, LS is a common dermatological disease with a so far incompletely understood pathogenesis and only limited treatment options. To foster translational research in LS, we provide here an update on its clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and (emerging) treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A De Luca
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cristian Papara
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Artem Vorobyev
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hernán Staiger
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Katja Bieber
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Diamant Thaçi
- Institute and Comprehensive Center Inflammation Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
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