title: Lichen sclerosus of the vulva. Long-term steroid maintenance therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of graduated topical steroids for long-term maintenance therapy for vulvar lichen sclerosus.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study was performed in the Gynaecological Oncology Department, City Hospital, Birmingham, U.K. Fifty-four patients were recruited for the study. The diagnosis was confirmed with histopathologic examination. After confirmation of the diagnosis, patients were started on a diminishing regimen of topical steroid.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 54 patients in the study, 51 responded to the steroid regimen, and three did not.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The graduated topical steroid regimen has a high response rate and takes a relatively short time to achieve, justifying the use of graduated topical steroids for this condition. Graduated dose reduction allows the majority of patients to remain in asymptomatic remission and minimize steroid exposure.
authors.affiliation: City Hospital, Birmingham, U.K.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sinha
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sorinola
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Luesley
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001623:Betamethasone; D002990:Clobetasol