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Choi UE, Nicholson RC, Agrawal P, Watts E, Kohn TP, Kohn JR, Clifton M. Involvement of vulva in lichen sclerosus increases the risk of antidepressant and benzodiazepine prescriptions for psychiatric disorder diagnoses. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00793-3. [PMID: 37973860 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00793-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
While vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) causes intense pruritus, associated risks of mood disorders and prescription patterns and impact of concurrent sexual dysfunction are unknown. We queried TriNetX Diamond Network between 2009 and 2022, conducting three comparisons after propensity-score matching for demographics and relevant comorbidities: (1) women with lichen sclerosus (LS) sparing the vulva vs. women with VLS; (2) VLS patients who received treatment within 6 months of diagnosis vs. patients who did not and (3) VLS patients with vs. without sexual dysfunction. Outcomes included new depressive episodes, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and prescriptions of antidepressants or benzodiazepines. After matching, VLS was associated with increased depressive episode [risk ratio (RR) 1.39], anxiety disorder (RR 1.93), and MDD (RR 2.00) diagnoses compared to LS sparing the vulva. Next, VLS treatment was associated with decreased risk of depressive episode (RR 0.60) and anxiety disorder (RR 0.72). Finally, concurrent sexual dysfunction was associated with increased benzodiazepine (RR 3.50), vaginal estrogen (RR 6.20), antipruritic agents (RR 3.90), and topical anti-inflammatory (RR 2.61) prescriptions. In conclusion, vulvar involvement is associated with increased risk of antidepressant and benzodiazepine prescriptions, and diagnosis of depressive episode, anxiety disorder, or MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una E Choi
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Pranjal Agrawal
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emelia Watts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taylor P Kohn
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jaden R Kohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marisa Clifton
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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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Pope R, Lee MH, Myers A, Song J, Abou Ghayda R, Kim JY, Hong SH, Lee SB, Koyanagi A, Jacob L, Smith L, Shin JI. Lichen Sclerosus and Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1616-1624. [PMID: 36115787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a common autoimmune dermatological condition that is often under-diagnosed in women and has been documented to affect quality of life and sexual function. AIM To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with vulvar lichen sclerosus. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing research on LS and sexual function in database including PubMed using search terms: lichen sclerosus OR vulvar lichen sclerosus OR vulvar lichen sclerosus et atrophicus OR kraurosis vulvae) AND (sexual function OR sexual functions OR sexual disorder OR sexual disorders OR sexual activity OR sexual activities OR sexual dysfunction OR sexual dysfunctions OR dyspareunia OR vaginismus). OUTCOMES Nearly 60% of women with lichen sclerosus suffer from sexual dysfunction. RESULTS Two hundred and ten studies were initially identified. Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria and 3 were excluded as they did not relate to sexual function, were regarding a surgical or medical intervention and sexual dysfunction and one was a review article. Therefore, 23 studies were included in the final analysis resulting in a cumulative 486 participants with LS with 208 patients experiencing any kind of sexual dysfunction. Meta-analysis presented prevalence of sexual dysfunction among LS patients as 59% (95% CI: 48 - 70%). Dyspareunia or generalized pain with intercourse was the most commonly reported type of dysfunction. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Discussing sexual concerns with women with LS could empower them to seek treatment. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Few articles met criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSION A large proportion of women with LS experience sexual dysfunction. More research is needed, especially that which includes biopsy-proven LS and validated tools on sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Pope
- Urology InstituteUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Min Ho Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Anna Myers
- Urology InstituteUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Junmin Song
- Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology InstituteUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jong Yeob Kim
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwi Hong
- Yonsei University College of MedicineSeverance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Bee Lee
- Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu/CIBERSAM, ISCIIIUniversitat de BarcelonaFundacio Sant Joan de DeuSant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Louis Jacob
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu/CIBERSAM, ISCIIIUniversitat de BarcelonaFundacio Sant Joan de DeuSant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Lee Smith
- Center for HealthPerformance and WellbeingAnglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of PediatricsYonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects women of all ages. The aim of this review is to focus on first-line, second-line, and maintenance therapies as well as follow-up of women with VLS. With numerous controversies, we decided to conduct a scoping review on this subject. A review protocol was developed, and the Knowledge Resource Services website was used to run a search of articles pertaining to VLS with keywords “Vulvar,” “Vulval,” and “Lichen Sclerosus.” The search was limited to published data from the last 10 years, i.e., July 2009 onward, and researches published in English language. A total of 338 articles pertaining to VLS were obtained. Out of this, 62 were original articles related to management of VLS. Effective treatments such as high-potency topical steroids are now the standard of care and first-line treatment. Follow-up may be done every three to six months for the first two years and then at least yearly to ensure adequacy of treatment and encourage compliance. Long-term follow-up in specialist clinics is recommended for women who have persistent complaints, thickened skin, or history of neoplastic lesion. Monitoring young patients yearly is recommended as there are chances of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neha Mishra
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Greater Noida, IND.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, IND
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Tedesco M, Garelli V, Bellei B, Sperduti I, Chichierchia G, Latini A, Foddai ML, Bertozzi E, Bonadies A, Pallara T, Romani C, Morrone A, Migliano E. Platelet-rich plasma for genital lichen sclerosus: analysis and results of 94 patients. Are there gender-related differences in symptoms and therapeutic response to PRP? J DERMATOL TREAT 2020; 33:1558-1562. [PMID: 33226278 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1854650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lichen sclerosus is a chronic relapsing inflammatory dermatosis with a predilection for anogenital skin in 85%-98% of cases and is more prevalent in women (3%) than in men (> 0.07%). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in clinical presentation and therapeutic response to treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an emerging innovative strategy for LS. METHODS Forty-three male and 51 female patients affected by LS were evaluated. Each patient was subjected to PRP treatment (1 infiltration every 15 days, for 3 times). RESULTS The PRP procedure was well tolerated by all patients and an overall significant decrease in symptoms was reported 6 months after PRP infiltration. Reduction in pain and burning sensation was significant in both gender but more accentuated in women than in men, whereas reduction of itching was similar. On the contrary, dyspareunia evidenced sex-related difference since a significant diminution was observed only in male. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that PRP based therapy may exert a relevant role in LS patient management due to its effect on Quality of Life (QoL) and sexual function in both gender. In addition, the study underlined gender-related differences in severity of symptoms and disease age onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tedesco
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - V Garelli
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - B Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - I Sperduti
- Biostatistical Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Chichierchia
- Immunohaematology and Trasfusion Medicine, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - A Latini
- Lichen Sclerosus Unit, Department of Dermatology, STI, Environmental Health, Tropical and Immigration, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M L Foddai
- Biostatistical Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Bertozzi
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Bonadies
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - T Pallara
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C Romani
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Morrone
- Scientific Director of San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Migliano
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Morris BJ, Moreton S, Krieger JN. Critical evaluation of arguments opposing male circumcision: A systematic review. J Evid Based Med 2019; 12:263-290. [PMID: 31496128 PMCID: PMC6899915 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate evidence against male circumcision (MC). METHODS We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. RESULTS Database searches retrieved 297 publications for inclusion. Bibliographies of these yielded 101 more. After evaluation we found: Claims that MC carries high risk were contradicted by low frequency of adverse events that were virtually all minor and easily treated with complete resolution. Claims that MC causes psychological harm were contradicted by studies finding no such harm. Claims that MC impairs sexual function and pleasure were contradicted by high-quality studies finding no adverse effect. Claims disputing the medical benefits of MC were contradicted by a large body of high-quality evidence indicating protection against a wide range of infections, dermatological conditions, and genital cancers in males and the female sexual partners of men. Risk-benefit analyses reported that benefits exceed risks by 100-200 to 1. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, the evidence supported early infant MC rather than arguments that the procedure should be delayed until males are old enough to decide for themselves. Claims that MC of minors is unethical were contradicted by balanced evaluations of ethical issues supporting the rights of children to be provided with low-risk, high-benefit interventions such as MC for better health. Expert evaluations of case-law supported the legality of MC of minors. Other data demonstrated that early infant MC is cost-saving to health systems. CONCLUSIONS Arguments opposing MC are supported mostly by low-quality evidence and opinion, and are contradicted by strong scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - John N Krieger
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
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