Vulvar lichen sclerosus: a comparison of the short-term topical application of clobetasol dipropionate 0.05% versus mometasone furoate 0.1%.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the efficacy of the short-term application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% (CLB) and mometasone furoate 0.05% (MMF) in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).

STUDY DESIGN:

This study was a retrospective review of 96 women who were diagnosed with lichen sclerosus with a follow-up of at least 1 year. Of these 96 women, 47 were treated with the topical application of CLB and 49 were treated with the topical application of MMF. All patients received treatment for 8 weeks. The drug was administered once daily for 4 weeks and then twice weekly for another 4 weeks in combination with a moisturizing cream that was continued as maintenance therapy. Subsequently, a topical steroid was applied on an as-needed basis if symptoms recurred. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint was the clinical response of the patients.

RESULTS:

A mean of 77.3% of the patients were defined as responders at the 12-month observation, without any significant difference between the 2 treatment groups (CLB mean 73% vs MMF mean 81.6%, p = .2). A pronounced improvement in itching was observed after 3 months of treatment in the MMF group (p = .04), whereas the other symptoms were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study indicates that CLB 0.05% and MMF 0.1% in a short protocol regimen are effective, safe, and reliable treatments for VLS, with no significant difference between the 2 steroids in their efficacy. However, a moisturizing cream should be an integral part of the treatment.

• Authors: Filippo Murina, Subhia Rehman, Stefania Di Francesco, Valeria Mantegazza, Raffaele Felice, Vanda Bianco
• Journal: Journal of lower genital tract disease (J Low Genit Tract Dis) Vol. 19 Issue 2 Pg. 149-51 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1526-0976 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25023331 (Publication Type: Clinical Study, Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Mometasone Furoate
• Clobetasol

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Aged
• Clobetasol (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Dermatologic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Mometasone Furoate (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (drug therapy)