Refined nursing improves pain control and treatment adherence in ALA- photodynamic therapy for vulvar condylomata acuminata.

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDT) is a an established treatment for condylomata acuminata; however, its application to the vulvar region is frequently associated with significant pain and localized tissue damage, which adversely affects patient tolerance and treatment adherence.

AIMS: This study evaluated whether a refined nursing intervention could improve clinical outcomes compared with conventional nursing.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 55 female patients with vulvar condylomata acuminata treated with ALA-PDT. Patients were divided into refined nursing (n = 30) and conventional nursing (n = 25) groups. Primary outcomes were treatment interval, completion rate, lesion clearance, and HPV clearance. Secondary outcomes included pain scores (VAS), patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of lesion clearance.

RESULTS

Compared to conventional nursing, the refined nursing group showed that treatment intervals significantly shortened (8.2 ± 1.1 vs. 12.5 ± 2.2 days), completion rate increased (96.7% vs. 76.0%), HPV clearance became higher at 6 months (86.7% vs. 64.0%), and patients were more satisfactory (96.7% vs. 64.0%). Peak pain during treatment was significantly lower in the refined group (4.3 ± 1.5 vs. 5.9 ± 2.1). Receiving ≥3 treatment sessions was independently associated with lesion clearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Refined nursing significantly shortens treatment intervals, reduces intra-procedural pain, improves treatment adherence, HPV clearance, and patient satisfaction. Completing three or more sessions is a key predictor of better efficacy.