Ou S, Wang H, Liu W, Zhu H, Zhang W, Li H, Deng H. Combination of high-frequency electrocautery therapy and ALA-PDT in hyperkeratotic vulvar lichen sclerosus: Series of seven cases.
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2024;
45:103924. [PMID:
38061450 DOI:
10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103924]
[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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE
ALA-PDT effectively treats Vulvar lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (VLSA), but it requires multiple repetitions for satisfactory results. To enhance efficacy, we employed a combination of high-frequency electrocautery therapy and ALA-PDT in treating seven VLSA patients.
APPROACH
Lesions and leukoplakia in the seven women with VLSA were removed using a high-frequency generator. PDT was administered after wound healing, and it was repeated six times. Follow-up assessments were carried out at 1, 3, and 6 months to evaluate the severity of pruritus and investigate lesion repigmentation.
RESULTS
Following the combined therapy, the disappearance of pruritus was observed in all patients, and normal color and thickness were restored to their skin. Two patients reported mild pruritus with a score of 2 one month after treatment, which persisted until the 6-month follow-up, while the remaining patients remained free from pruritus. No recurrence of skin lesions was observed in any of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The combined therapy for the treatment of VLSA is found to be convenient, effective, and easily promotable.
Collapse