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Clobetasol Propionate in the Treatment of Premenarchal Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

2001; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 98; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00006250-200110000-00011

1873-233X

Yolanda R. Smith, Elisabeth H. Quint,

Urologic and reproductive health conditions

In Brief OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of treating premenarchal vulvar lichen sclerosus with clobetasol propionate. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed of girls presenting to the University of Michigan Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic from January, 1995, to July, 2000, with premenarchal lichen sclerosus. Subjects in the study were treated with topical clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% for 2–4 weeks, and then tapered to a less potent steroid. Information was extracted concerning age at onset, symptoms, vulvar examination, previous treatments, effectiveness of clobetasol, follow-up, and complications. The parents were contacted for a follow-up telephone survey. RESULTS Fifteen girls averaging 5.7 years at the start of symptoms met criteria. The diagnosis of lichen sclerosus was made visually in 11 and by biopsy in four. Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 6 years. Fourteen girls had good improvement within 4–7 weeks. One girl developed a yeast superinfection and one developed transient erythema. At least 1 year of follow-up by clinic visit or telephone interview was available in 11 girls. Of these 11, two girls had no further vulvar symptoms after the initial treatment, five had one or two total flares, three reported three to eight flares per year, and one girl continues to be unresponsive to therapy. CONCLUSION Clobetasol propionate was an effective treatment of premenarchal vulvar lichen sclerosus in this small group; however, recurrences were common and required additional steroid treatment. Furthermore, complications of treatment were infrequent, minor, and easily treatable. Clobetasol propionate was an effective treatment of premenarchal vulvar lichen sclerosus in a series of 15 girls; however, recurrences were common and required additional steroid treatment.