title: Open-label trial of cyclosporine for vulvar lichen sclerosus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and mucosal surfaces which is generally difficult to treat.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the efficacy of oral cyclosporine in refractory vulvar LS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with refractory vulvar LS were treated with oral cyclosporine (3-4 mg/kg/d) for 3 months. They were followed up on a monthly basis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the treatment, the mean total symptom score regressed significantly and clinical findings such as erythema and erosion showed marked improvement. Mild adverse effects were seen in 3 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The patients did not give consent to rebiopsy at the end of the treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Moderate dose of oral cyclosporine could be an effective alternative in the treatment of refractory vulvar LS.
authors: Uludag University Medical Faculty, Department of Dermatology, Gorukle 16059, Bursa, Turkey. bbemel@uludag.edu.tr
authors: Emel
authors: E
authors: Bulbul Baskan
authors: Hakan
authors: H
authors: Turan
authors: Sukran
authors: S
authors: Tunali
authors: Semra Cikman
authors: SC
authors: Toker
authors: Hayriye
authors: H
authors: Saricaoglu
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D007724:Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016572:Cyclosporine; D002990:Clobetasol