The use of CO₂ laser in vulvar lichen sclerosus treatment - molecular evidence.

OBJECTIVES

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is chronic and difficult to treat disorder, which often is recurrent and leads to multiple complications. The limited efficacy of pharmacologic treatment directed the search for new therapies including use of CO₂ laser. The aim of the study was to provide rationale for the use of CO2 laser in treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Two patients with diagnosed LS were recruited for the study. Vulvar biopsies were taken taken before CO₂ laser application and then 3 months later. We assessed the following genes: COL1A, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL5A3, ELN, ECM1, HSPA1A, HSPA1B, SERPINH1, TLL1, TP53, BMP1. We also assessed patients' quality of life by VuAS scale before and after treatment.

RESULTS

In both patients we observed decreased clinical symptoms observed by an experienced gynecologist as well as significant changes in gene expression before and after laser treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with CO₂ laser can be alternatively considered in patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus.