Comparative analysis of fractional CO 2 laser, focused ultrasound and simple drug treatment of gynecological vulva white lesions / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of fractional CO 2 laser, focused ultrasound and simple drug treatment of gynecological vulva white lesions. Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 126 patients with white lesions of the vulva admitted to Hainan Cancer Hospital from August 2018 to December 2020. They were divided into drug group, focused ultrasound group and fractional CO 2 laser group by random number table method, with 42 patients in each group. The drug group was treated with mometasone furoate cream or dexamethasone acetate cream, and the focused ultrasound group was treated with focused ultrasound; the fractional CO 2 laser group was treated with fractional CO 2 laser. The serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and human epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels before and after treatment, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores of the three groups were compared. Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the levels of IL-2, TNF-α, CRP and EGF among the three groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of IL-2, TNF-α, CRP and EGF in the three groups were significantly decreased, and the levels of IL-2, TNF-α, CRP and EGF in the focused ultrasound group and fractional CO 2 laser group were lower than those in the drug group, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the white lesions, dry pruritus, sexual pain and chapped skin scores of the three groups (all P>0.05); After treatment, scores of all dimensions of the three groups were significantly decreased, and scores of all dimensions of the focused ultrasound group and fractional CO 2 laser were lower than those of the drug group, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the scores of symptoms and feelings, daily activities and interpersonal relationship of the three groups (all P>0.05); After treatment, scores of all dimensions of the three groups were significantly decreased, and scores of all dimensions of the focused ultrasound group and fractional CO 2 laser were lower than those of the drug group, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Fractional CO 2 laser has a remarkable effect in the treatment of gynecological vulva white lesions, which can reduce the level of inflammatory factors in patients, improve the pain condition, and improve the quality of life.

Dermoscopic features of 79 cases of childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate dermoscopic features of childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus.Methods:From January 2019 to May 2021, 79 female children with vulvar lichen sclerosus were collected from Kunming Children′s Hospital, and their dermoscopic features at first and return visits were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Among the 79 female children with vulvar lichen sclerosus, their age ranged from 2.4 to 12 years, the age at onset was 5.6 ± 2.12 years, the course of disease was 14.23 ± 12.36 months, and 30 children received regular follow-up and treatment. Among 329 skin lesions at the first visit, characteristic vascular shapes were observed in 149 (45.3%) , including linear vessels in 129, punctate vessels in 25, coiled vessels in 19, and hairpin-like vessels in 12; degenerative structures and pigment abnormalities were seen in 207 (62.92%) , including bluish-gray pigmented structures in 136, brown pigmented structures in 51, pepper-like patterns in 15, etc.; yellowish-white structureless areas were found in 280 (85.1%) , follicular keratotic plugs in 97 (29.5%) , and reddish-violet globules and patches in 66 (20%) . Among 238 skin lesions at the return visit, characteristic vascular shapes were observed in 100 (42%) , including linear vessels in 87, dendritic vessels in 21 and punctate vessels in 4, and no hairpin-like vessels were observed; degenerative structures and pigment abnormalities were seen in 154 (64.70%) , including brown pigmented structures in 93, bluish-gray pigmented structures in 57, and pepper-like patterns in 4; yellowish-white structureless areas were found in 165 (69.3%) , follicular keratotic plugs in 62 (26.1%) , and reddish-violet globules and patches in 8 (3.4%) . The prevalence rates of bluish-gray pigmented structures, yellowish-white structureless areas, reddish-violet globules and patches, punctate vessels, hairpin-like vessels, and coiled vessels in the skin lesions were all significantly lower at the return visit than at the first visit (all P < 0.05) , while the prevalence rate of the brown pigmented structure was significantly higher at the return visit than at the first visit ( P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Under a dermoscope, yellowish-white structureless areas are a highly specific characteristic of childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus, and therapeutic effect can be monitored by observing changes in dermoscopic features, including brown pigmented structures, bluish-gray pigmented structures, yellowish-white structureless areas, reddish-violet globules and patches, and vascular structures. Dermoscopy shows favorable application value in auxiliary diagnosis and follow-up observation of childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Microablative fractional radiofrequency as a therapeutic option for vulvar lichen sclerosus: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical response to and the histomorphometric effects of microablative fractional radiofrequency (MFR) in women with symptomatic vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). METHODS: This was a pilot study on the use of MFR for the treatment of VLS. Upon recruitment and at each treatment session, all participants were examined and each of their symptoms were rated on a visual analog scale. After the procedure, the participants completed a satisfaction questionnaire. We compared the morphometric findings of vulvar biopsies performed at enrollment and after the last treatment session. The participants were divided into three groups according to previous treatment with corticosteroids: G1, no previous treatment; G2, treated for up to 5 years; and G3, treated for >5 years. RESULTS: This study included 26 women. After two to three sessions, most participants in all groups became either "asymptomatic" or "much better" than before treatment and were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the intervention. Pruritus and burning sensation were the most frequently reported symptoms. Nearly 40% of the participants in all groups reported complete remission of symptoms. The improvement was rated as moderate or higher by 80%, 76%, and 66% of the women in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The improvement of symptoms persisted for 11 months (range, 7-16 months), on average, after the treatment. Type III collagen concentration significantly increased and was associated with important symptom improvement. Tissue trophism and vascularization also increased but did not reach statistical significance, probably because of the small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: MFR may be an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic VLS.

A radiofrequência fracionada no tratamento de líquen escleroso vulvar: um relato de caso / Fractional radiofrequency in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus: a case report

O líquen escleroso vulvar (LEV) é uma doença dermatológica crônica de etiologia incerta, caracterizada por prurido intenso e atrofia progressiva. O corticosteroide tópico de longo prazo é o tratamento de primeira linha para LEV. No entanto, esse tratamento requer a colaboração da paciente, está associado a efeitos colaterais adversos e algumas pacientes não respondem aos corticosteroides. O tratamento com tecnologias térmicas e fototérmicas tem sido estudado como terapia alternativa ou complementar para melhorar os sintomas de LEV e o trofismo cutâneo. A radiofrequência fracionada microablativa é usada em dermatologia para melhorar o trofismo tecidual. Também tem sido usada em pacientes ginecológicas para tratar a atrofia vulvovaginal, estimulando a neocolagênese dérmica e a neoelastogênese. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 39 anos com LEV refratária que foi tratada com aplicações locais de radiofrequência fracionada microablativa. Ela apresentou melhora satisfatória dos sintomas e do trofismo vulvar em longo prazo, sem necessidade do uso de corticosteroides.(AU)

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic dermatological disease of unclear etiology characterized by severe itching and progressive atrophy. Long-term topical corticosteroid is the first-line treatment for VLS. However, this treatment requires patient compliance, is associated with adverse side effects, and some patients do not respond to corticosteroids. Treatment with thermal and photothermal technologies have been studied as alternative or complementary therapies to improve VLS symptoms and skin trophism. Microablative fractional radiofrequency (MFR) is used in dermatology to improve tissue trophism. It has also been used in gynecological patients to treat vulvovaginal atrophy by stimulating dermal neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with refractory VLS who was treated with local applications of microablative fractional radiofrequency. She had satisfactory, long-term, improvement of symptoms and vulvar trophism, and stopped using corticosteroids.(AU)

Dermoscopic features of vulvar lichen sclerosus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the dermoscopic features of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).Methods Seventeen patients with VLS,who visited the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between August 2015 and June 2017 and underwent dermoscopy and skin histopathological examination,were enrolled into this study.The dermoscopic images of 75 skin lesions were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Results The common dermoscopic features in these VLS lesions included yellowish-white structureless areas (89.3％,67/75),reddish-violet globules or patches (77.3％,58/75),brownish or bluish-gray pigment structures (49％,37/75),shiny white streaks (40％,30/75),dotted vessels with irregular arrangement (28％,21/75),linear vessels (58.7％,44/75),hairpin-like vessels (6.7％,5/75),comma-like vessels (13％,10/75)and branching vessels (20％,15/75).Under dermoscopy,rosette sign could be observed in 3 (4％) lesions,comedo-like openings in 3 (4％) lesions,and keratotic plugs in 1 (1％) lesions.Conclusion Under dermoscopy,VLS is characterized by yellowishwhite structureless areas,reddish-violet globules or patches,pigment structures and vessels with various vessels.

Clinical analysis of 129 cases of vulvar lichen sclerosus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate clinical features of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).Methods Clinical data were collected from patients with VLS in Department of Dermatology of Beijing Hospital,and analyzed retrospectively with respect to age,duration of disease,medical history,complications,clinical symptoms and signs,and features of skin lesions.Results A total of 129 patients with VLS were enrolled into this study from March 2016 to February 2017.The age of onset in these patients presented a normal distribution,with the highest frequency at the age range of 25-30 years.Of the 129 patients,only 18 (14％) developed VLS after menopause,and 12 (9.3％) were complica1ed by autoimmune diseases,especially thyroid diseases.Pruritus was reported as the main symptom in 122 (94.6％) of the 129 patients,and 51 (60％) reported that their sexual life had been affected.Labia minora was the most commonly involved site in 92 (71.3％)patients,but unilateral labia majus was rarely involved.The most common skin lesion was hypopigmentation (92.2％,119/129),followed by lichenification (55.0％,71/129) and skin atrophy (40.3％,52/129).Patients with skin atrophy had significantly longer duration of disease than those without skin atrophy (Z =3.124,P =0.002),and the incidence of skin atrophy was lower in the patients who had been treated with topical glucocorticoids or calcineurin inhibitors than those who had not received these treatment (x2 =5.074,P =0.024).Conclusions VLS is more common in women of childbearing age than in postmenopausal women,and basically characterized by pruritus and hypopigmentation.VLS commonly involves bilateral labia minora,and usually affects sexual life.

Líquen escleroso vulvar: descrição de cinco casos de sucesso com laser Erbium-YAG 2940 / Vulvar lichen sclerosus: description of 5 cases successfully treated with the 2940nm Erbium-YAG laser

Líquen escleroso é dermatose crônica com predileção pela região genital. Acomete, principalmente, a raça branca, sendo mais frequente em mulheres. O tratamento-padrão é feito com corticosteroides tópicos de alta potência. Tratamentos com propionato de testosterona, imunomoduladores tópicos, terapia fotodinâmica, crioterapia, antibioticoterapia e laserterapia são citados na literatura. Neste artigo são relatados cinco casos de pacientes com liquen escleroso vulvar, sem sucesso com o clobetasol tópico, submetidas ao tratamento com Laser Erbium YAG 2940 fracionado. Os resultados foram bastante satisfatórios, sugerindo a laserterapia como opção no tratamento do líquen escleroso, incluídos casos de insucesso com o uso corticoides tópicos.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic dermatosis, usually anogenital and mainly affecting pos-menopausal women. The use of topical corticosteroids is the mainstay of medical treatment. Other treatments are topical testosterone, calcineurin inhibitors, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, antibiotic therapy and laser therapy. In this article, five patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus which had no response to treatment with topical clobetasol, had good results when treated with fractional Erbium:YAG laser 2940.

Rejuvenation Using Platelet-rich Plasma and Lipofilling for Vaginal Atrophy and Lichen Sclerosus

Vaginal atrophy is a common condition among peri- and post-menopausal women. Symptoms of vaginal dryness, pruritus, irritation, loss of subcutaneous fat, sparse pubic hair and dyspareunia occur due to decreased estrogen level. Estrogen-based treatments are effective. But many patients are reluctant to be treated due to health concerns. As alternatives, we explored the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and lipofilling. A 67-year-old female patient with vaginal atrophy was referred to our department. Treatment using estrogen cream had failed to improve patient's symptoms. Diminished volume and aged look of genitalia were also major concerns. We treated her using lipofilling mixed with PRP. A total of 40 cc of autologous fat mixed with PRP was transferred to labia majora. Lipofilling with PRP relieved the clinical symptoms. Missing fullness and tone was corrected and the augmented volume was well maintained. White patchy lesions of lichen sclerosus on labia minora also improved. Lipofilling with PRP relieved symptoms, restored contour of the labia majora and achieved remission of lichen sclerosus on labia minora. As vulvar lesions were repaired and the aged appearance of genitalia was rejuvenated, both functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory. Lipofilling with PRP can be effective for vaginal atrophy and lichen sclerosus.

Liquen escleroso y atrófico genital o craurosis de la vulva. Presentación de un caso / Sclerosus and atrophic genital Lichen or vulvar craurosis. About a case

El liquen escleroso y atrófico o la craurosis de la vulva es una afección caracterizada por la atrofia progresiva crónica de la piel y la mucosa vulvar, asociada con cambios involutivos en los genitales externos. El que sea muy poco usual en nuestro medio fue la causa que motivó la presentación de este caso, de una paciente de 49 años, de color de piel blanca, con antecedentes patológicos personales de hipertensión arterial, que asistió a consulta de Dermatología remitida por su médico de familia. Refirió que desde hacía más o menos ocho meses padecía de prurito intenso en la región vulvar y cambios en la textura de la misma que señaló como ¨sensación de endurecimiento¨ que se había intensificado, así como irregularidad en el período menstrual, todo lo cual no se resolvía con tratamiento habitual pues siempre fue interpretado como parásitos vaginales. Explicó que sufría de dolor intenso durante las relaciones sexuales, con mayor frecuencia en los últimos meses, así como trastornos del sueño y nerviosismo. Se realizó biopsia que arrojó como diagnosticó un liquen escleroso. Se le puso tratamiento con esteroides locales de alta potencia, estrógenos conjugados y apoyo psicológico. La paciente tuvo una evidente mejoría del cuadro sintomático. Se le realiza evaluación periódica para evitar recaídas y/o complicaciones.

Sclerosus and atrophic genital Lichen or vulvar craurosis is an affection characterized by a progressive chronic atrophy of the vulvar skin and mucosa, associated to involutive changes in external genitalia. The presentation of this case was motivated by the unusual appearance of it in our context. A 49 year old white patient with history of hypertension, came to the Dermatology consultation referred by her Family Doctor. She reported that she had had an intense pruritus since approximately eight months in the vulvar region and changes in texture which she stated as ¨hardening sensation¨ which had had intensified, so as irregularities in her menstrual period, all of which was not relieved with the usual treatment as it was interpreted as vaginal parasites. She explained that she suffered from an intense pain during intercourse, more frequently in the last months so as sleeping problems and nervousness. A biopsy was performed and it showed lichen sclerosus. It was treated with local high potency steroids, conjugated estrogens and psychological support. The patient had an evident symptom improvement. She has a periodic evaluation to avoid relapse and /or complications.

Unusual remodeling of the hyalinization band in vulval lichen sclerosus by type V collagen and ECM 1 protein

OBJECTIVES: The vulva is the primary site affected in lichen sclerosus, a chronic dermatosis in women that is histologically characterized by a zone of collagen remodeling in the superior dermis. The normal physiological properties of the vulva depend on the assembly of collagen types I (COLI), III (COLIII) and V (COLV), which form heterotypic fibers, and extracellular matrix protein interactions. COLV regulates the heterotypic fiber diameter, and the preservation of its properties is important for maintaining normal tissue architecture and function. In the current work, we analyzed the expression of COLV and its relationship with COLI, COLIII, elastic fibers and extracellular matrix protein 1 in vulvar biopsies from patients with lichen sclerosus. METHODS: Skin biopsies from 21 patients with lichen sclerosus, classified according to Hewitt histological criteria, were studied and compared to clinically normal vulvar tissue (N=21). Morphology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, 3D reconstruction and morphometric analysis of COLI, COLIII, COLV deposition, elastic fibers and extracellular matrix 1 expression in a zone of collagen remodeling in the superior dermis were performed. RESULTS: A significant decrease of elastic fibers and extracellular matrix 1 protein was present in the hyalinization zone of lichen sclerosus compared to healthy controls. The non-homogeneous distribution of collagen fibers visualized under immunofluorescence in the hyalinization zone of lichen sclerosus and control skin was confirmed by histomorphometry. Lichen sclerosus dermis shows a significant increase of COLI, COLIII and COLV expression compared to the healthy controls. Significant inverse associations were found between elastic fibers and COLV and between COLV and extracellular matrix 1 expression. A direct association was found between elastic fiber content and extracellular matrix 1 expression. Tridimensional reconstruction of the heterotypic fibers ...

Conscious sedation with inhaled 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen premix in photodynamic therapy sessions for vulvar lichen sclerosus treatment

Photodynamic therapy has been described as an effective therapeutic option in selected cases of anogenital lichen sclerosus that are refractory to first-line treatments. However, procedure-related pain is a limiting factor in patient adherence to treatment. The authors report the case of a 75-year-old woman with highly symptomatic vulvar lichen sclerosus, successfully treated with photodynamic therapy. An inhaled 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen premix was administered during sessions, producing a pain-relieving, anxiolytic, and sedative effect without loss of consciousness. This ready-to-use gas mixture may be a well-tolerated and accepted alternative to classical anesthetics in Photodynamic therapy, facilitating patients' adherence to illumination of pain-prone areas.

Carcinoma espinocelular de la vulva: caso clínico / Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: case report

Antecedentes: El carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) es una neoplasia epitelial maligna. La mayor parte se concentra en 4 áreas: cáncer de piel no melanoma, de cabeza y cuello, esofágico y pulmonar. El riesgo de metástasis de CEC es de 0,3-3,7 por ciento. El CEC vulvar representa aproximadamente un 3-5 por ciento de los cánceres ginecológicos. Caso clínico: Mujer de 86 años con prurito genital de larga data. Evaluada en varias oportunidades, siendo tratada como Herpes genital con valaciclovir, y Liquen Escleroso y Atrófico (LEA) con corticoides tópicos y tacrolimus con mala respuesta. Consultó por intenso prurito y nuevas lesiones vulvares. Al examen físico, destacaban 2 nódulos ulcerados en región periclitorídea izquierda e introito. La biopsia confirmó CEC bien diferenciado infiltrante. El TAC de abdomen y pelvis descartó metástasis. Se realizó radioterapia por 7 semanas. Por persistencia de la lesión, ingresó a cuidados paliativos. Dos años después la paciente está en buenas condiciones. Discusión: El CEC representa el 95 por ciento de las neoplasias vulvares. Existen 2 tipos: CEC en mujeres jóvenes, asociado a infección por virus papiloma humano de alto riesgo y CEC en mujeres mayores en relación a LEA. El 45-61 por ciento de los CEC de vulva se asocian a LEA preexistente, por lo que se recomienda el seguimiento de pacientes portadoras de LEA cada 6 meses. Conclusión: Es importante realizar biopsias de lesiones vulvares con mala respuesta a tratamiento, sobre todo si se asocia a LEA.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm. SCC can be divided into 4 groups: non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), head and neck, esophageal and lung cancer. The risk for metastasis of SCC is 0.3-3.7 percent. Vulvar SCC is approximately 3-5 percent of all gynecological cancers. Case report: An 86-year old woman with a history of several years of genital pruritus and many consultations for this reason, prior treatments included valacyclovir for genital herpes; topical corticosteroids and tachrolymus for lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LEA) with poor response. She presented with pruritus and new vulvar lesions. Physical examination showed two ulcerated nodules on the left periclitorid region and the introitus. The biopsy confirmed an infiltrating well-differentiated SCC. CT-scans discarded metastases. She received 7 weeks of radiotherapy. Due to persistence of the tumor the patient entered palliative care. Two years afterwards the patient is in good condition. Discussion: SCC represents 95 percent of vulvar malignancies. There are 2 types: SCC in young women, associated with high-risk human papilloma virus infection and SCC in elder women associated to the preexistence of LEA. 45-61 percent of vulvar SCC is associated in with preexisting LEA. Patients with LEA should be followed every 6 months. Conclusion: It is important to perform biopsies of vulvar lesions that have poor response to treatment, especially if they are associated with LEA.

Os três líquens: escleroso, plano e plano erosivo / The three lichens: sclerosus, planus and erosive

Líquen escleroso (LE) e líquen plano (LP) são doenças de natureza inflamatória que atacam a pele e a região anogenital e que, por vezes, podem ser de difícil diferenciação clínica em seus respectivos estágios iniciais. O LE teve sua incidência demonstrada em 1,7% dos atendimentos ginecológicos, em todas as faixas etárias. Já o LP ataca cerca de 1% das mulheres, mas sua incidência real é difícil de avaliar. LE e LP são doenças cuja patogênese é multifatorial. Fatores genéticos e hormonais e infecções e trauma foram associados ao desenvolvimento de LE, enquanto que LP tem seu desenvolvimento menos compreendido; no entanto, também é associado a fatores genéticos, a infecções e ao uso de certos medicamentos. As duas doenças causam bastante desconforto às pacientes, pois podem se apresentar com dor, ardência, prurido e também há a possibilidade de estenose do introito vaginal e consequente dispareunia. Na suspeita de LE e LP, deve ser feito diagnóstico diferencial com outras doenças de pele e com neoplasia intraepitelial vulvar (NIV). O risco de transformação maligna justifica o acompanhamento que as pacientes devem ter pelo resto da vida. O tratamento de primeira linha para LE e LP consiste em corticosteroides tópicos superpotentes. O diagnóstico requer frequente biópsia para sua confirmação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar a fisiopatologia, complicações e tratamento dessas duas doenças, as quais são muito importantes, pois não possuem cura e podem comprometer seriamente a qualidade de vida das pacientes.(AU)

Lichen sclerosus (LS) and lichen planus (LP) are diseases of an inflammatory nature that attack the skin and anogenital region, and sometimes they might have a difficult clinical differentiation in their early stages. LE has its incidence demonstrated in 1.7% of gynecological consultations in all age groups. LP attacks about 1% of women, but its true incidence is difficult to assess. LE and LP are diseases whose pathogenesis is multifactorial. Genetic and hormonal factors, infections and trauma were associated with the development of LE, while LP has its development less understood; however, it is also associated with genetic factors, infections and the use of certain medications. Both diseases cause much discomfort to the patient, because they may present with pain, burning, itching and there is also the possibility of stenosis of the vaginal opening and consequent dyspareunia. On suspicion of LE and LP should be done differential diagnosis with other skin diseases and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). The risk of malignant transformation justifies the monitoring that patients should have in the rest of their life. The first-line treatment for LE and LP consists of topical corticosteroids super powerful. The diagnosis often requires biopsy for confirmation. The aim of this study was to review the pathophysiology, complications and treatment of these diseases, which are very important because they have no cure and can seriously compromise the quality of life of patients.(AU)