Intramuscular beta-interferon treatment for severe vulvar vestibulitis

Seven patients with vulvar vestibulitis associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection were treated with intramuscular (IM) injections of human beta-interferon. The IM route was chosen to avoid painful intralesional injections. Complete remission of symptoms was achieved in three patients who received 45 x 10(6) IU of beta-interferon; they remained asymptomatic for a duration of 6-18 months following treatment. Of the four patients who received only 30 x 10(6) IU, two had complete remission of dyspareunia, but in one it recurred after 18 months; one had some relief; and one did not respond. Two patients who did not show complete remission of the disease and the one with recurrence subsequently underwent perineoplasty. The IM treatment was well tolerated and resulted in a satisfactory response in a selected group of patients. There is evidence to suggest that a total dose of 45 x 10(6) IU is preferable to a dose of 30 x 10(6).