Topical misoprostol therapy for plasma cell vulvitis: a case series.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To present the first reported case series of plasma cell vulvitis successfully treated with topical misoprostol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Three women with vulvar pain and lesions secondary to plasma cell vulvitis refractory to conventional therapy were treated with topical misoprostol compounded in white petrolatum.

RESULTS:

All three patients had resolution of pain and lesions within 6 weeks of starting topical misoprostol. All patients tolerated the 0.01% concentration; however, local side effects were seen with the higher 0.02% concentration.

CONCLUSIONS:

Plasma cell vulvitis is a rare and painful vulvar disorder that is often refractory to therapy. All three patients in this case series were successfully treated with topical misoprostol. The immunosuppressive effects of misoprostol are hypothesized to be the mechanisms of action of this novel therapy for plasma cell vulvitis.

• Authors: Jennifer Gunter, Loren Golitz
• Journal: Journal of lower genital tract disease (J Low Genit Tract Dis) Vol. 9 Issue 3 Pg. 176-80 (Jul 2005) ISSN: 1089-2591 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16044059 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Misoprostol

Topics

• Administration, Intravaginal
• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Misoprostol (administration & dosage)
• Plasma Cells (immunology)
• Postmenopause
• Treatment Outcome
• Vulvitis (drug therapy, immunology)