Beth Morrel1, Rachel van Eersel2, Curt W Burger3, Wichor M Bramer4, Marianne J Ten Kate-Booij5, Irene A M van der Avoort6, Suzanne G M A Pasmans7. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Center of Pediatric Dermatology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Gent, Belgium. 3. Research and Development Office, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 4. Medical Library, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 6. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ikazia Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 7. Department of Dermatology, Center of Pediatric Dermatology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: s.pasmans@erasmusmc.nl.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) occurring in children and adolescents may have repercussions throughout life. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the evidence available on the long-term consequences of juvenile VLS. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for studies containing long-term follow-up information on children or adolescents up to age 18 years with VLS. Articles were classified by level of evidence and the specific aspects of VLS studied. RESULTS: In all, 37 studies met the inclusion criteria, giving information on the long-term consequences of VLS, of which 13 were cohort studies and 24 were case reports or series. These publications show that signs and symptoms persist after puberty and beyond, scarring and permanent architectural changes occur, treatment is effective with regard to symptoms, and long-term quality of life is affected. Findings suggest a possible relationship with risk of malignancy. The included publications had low-level evidence. LIMITATIONS: Meta-analysis was not possible because the studies had different focuses. Very few patients were followed into adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: There is low-level evidence suggesting long-term repercussions of juvenile VLS. Studies following children and adolescents with VLS into adulthood are needed to better understand the course of this disease and its repercussions on adult vulvar health.
BACKGROUND: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) occurring in children and adolescents may have repercussions throughout life. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the evidence available on the long-term consequences of juvenile VLS. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for studies containing long-term follow-up information on children or adolescents up to age 18 years with VLS. Articles were classified by level of evidence and the specific aspects of VLS studied. RESULTS: In all, 37 studies met the inclusion criteria, giving information on the long-term consequences of VLS, of which 13 were cohort studies and 24 were case reports or series. These publications show that signs and symptoms persist after puberty and beyond, scarring and permanent architectural changes occur, treatment is effective with regard to symptoms, and long-term quality of life is affected. Findings suggest a possible relationship with risk of malignancy. The included publications had low-level evidence. LIMITATIONS: Meta-analysis was not possible because the studies had different focuses. Very few patients were followed into adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: There is low-level evidence suggesting long-term repercussions of juvenile VLS. Studies following children and adolescents with VLS into adulthood are needed to better understand the course of this disease and its repercussions on adult vulvar health.
Authors: Dominika Orszulak; Agnieszka Dulska; Kacper Niziński; Kaja Skowronek; Jakub Bodziony; Rafał Stojko; Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-07-04 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Kajal S Kumar; Beth Morrel; Colette L M van Hees; Fred van der Toorn; Wendy van Dorp; Elodie J Mendels Journal: Pediatr Dermatol Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 1.997