Open-label trial of cyclosporine for vulvar lichen sclerosus
Emel Bulbul Baskan1, Hakan Turan, Sukran Tunali
1Uludag University Medical Faculty, Department of Dermatology, Gorukle 16059, Bursa, Turkey. bbemel@uludag.edu.tr
Background:
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and mucosal surfaces which is generally difficult to treat.
Objective:
We evaluated the efficacy of oral cyclosporine in refractory vulvar LS.
Methods:
Five patients with refractory vulvar LS were treated with oral cyclosporine (3-4 mg/kg/d) for 3 months. They were followed up on a monthly basis.
Results:
At the end of the treatment, the mean total symptom score regressed significantly and clinical findings such as erythema and erosion showed marked improvement. Mild adverse effects were seen in 3 patients.
Limitations:
The patients did not give consent to rebiopsy at the end of the treatment.
Conclusion:
Moderate dose of oral cyclosporine could be an effective alternative in the treatment of refractory vulvar LS.