1
|
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; 28:276-281. [PMID: 38661348 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Popa A, Dumitrascu MC, Petca A, Petca RC, Sandru F. Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Navigating Sex Hormone Dynamics and Pioneering Personalized Treatment Paradigm. J Pers Med 2024; 14:76. [PMID: 38248777 PMCID: PMC10817476 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a frequently overlooked inflammatory disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva. With a propensity for atrophy, severe scarring, functional impairment, and malignant evolution, VLS is a disease that recurs frequently; early diagnosis, rapid treatment, and ongoing patient follow-up are essential. Potent topical corticosteroids (TCSs) are now widely recognized as the most effective treatment for achieving remission in VLS, but considering the potential complications of long-term treatment with potent TCSs, understanding the evolution of VLS during puberty becomes particularly crucial in determining the necessity for aggressive or more conservative therapeutic interventions. Emerging treatments, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma), stem cell therapy, and energy-based lasers like fractional CO2 and Nd-YAG, are being investigated to identify more effective VLS treatments than ultrapotent topical corticosteroids. However, more research is needed to assess the efficacy and safety of these new medicines. Topical clobetasol 0.05% ointment daily for 4-12 weeks is the gold standard for treating VLS. This article is a narrative review of the English-language medical literature from 2017 to November 2023, following three main sections concerning VLS: studies of the evolution amid pubertal hormonal changes; studies of the outcomes of personalized conventional therapies; and studies addressing the spectrum of innovative modalities for VLS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Popa
- Department of Dermatovenerology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (F.S.)
- Dermatology Department, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Urology, ‘Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele’ Clinical Hospital, 050659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatovenerology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (F.S.)
- Dermatology Department, “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Paganelli A, Contu L, Condorelli A, Ficarelli E, Motolese A, Paganelli R, Motolese A. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (ADSC) Therapy in the Treatment of Genital Lichen Sclerosus: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16107. [PMID: 38003297 PMCID: PMC10671587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216107] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis mostly localized in the genital area, characterized by vulvar alterations that can severely impact a patient's quality of life. Current treatment modalities often provide incomplete relief, and there is a need for innovative approaches to manage this condition effectively. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as potential regenerative therapies for LS, offering promising results in clinical practice. This comprehensive review explores the utilization of PRP and ADSC therapy in the treatment of genital LS, highlighting their mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and clinical outcomes. PRP is a blood product enriched in growth factors and cytokines, which promotes tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and immune modulation. ADSC regenerative potential relies not only in their plasticity but also in the secretion of trophic factors, and modulation of the local immune response. Numerous studies have reported the safety of PRP and ADSC therapy for genital LS. Adverse events are minimal and typically involve mild, self-limiting symptoms, such as transient pain and swelling at the injection site. Long-term safety data are encouraging, with no significant concerns identified in the literature. PRP and ADSC therapy have demonstrated significant improvements in LS-related symptoms, including itching, burning, dyspareunia, and sexual function. Additionally, these therapies enable many patients to discontinue the routine use of topical corticosteroids. Several studies have explored the efficacy of combining PRP and ADSC therapy for LS. In combination, PRP and ADSCs seem to offer a synergistic approach to address the complex pathophysiology of LS, particularly in the early stages. The use of PRP and ADSC therapy for genital lichen sclerosus represents a promising and safe treatment modality. These regenerative approaches have shown significant improvements in LS-related symptoms, tissue trophism, and histological features. Combination therapy, which harnesses the synergistic effects of PRP and ADSCs, is emerging as a preferred option, especially in early-stage LS cases. Further research, including randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up, is warranted to elucidate the full potential and mechanisms of PRP and ADSC therapy in the management of genital LS. These regenerative approaches hold great promise in enhancing the quality of life of individuals suffering from this challenging condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Paganelli
- Dermatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.C.); (E.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Luca Contu
- Dermatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.C.); (E.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Condorelli
- Dermatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.C.); (E.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Elena Ficarelli
- Dermatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.C.); (E.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Alfonso Motolese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Roberto Paganelli
- Internal Medicine, UniCamillus International Medical University in Rome, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberico Motolese
- Dermatology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.C.); (E.F.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|