title: A population-based case-control study of aetiological factors associated with vulval lichen sclerosus.
abstract: We aimed to investigate the association between possible aetiological factors and the risk of developing vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS). A population-based case-control questionnaire study was performed comparing women with a diagnosis of VLS (n= 92), with those attending a general gynaecology clinic with no known anogenital dermatosis (n= 66). After adjustment for confounders, factors associated with VLS included a family history of diabetes mellitus (OR= 7.0, p= 0.012) and previous pelvic surgery (OR= 4.75, p= 0.007). The use of barrier and progesterone only methods of contraception (OR= 0.19, p= 0.045), hormone replacement therapy (OR= 0.209, p= 0.025) or hayfever (OR= 0.18, p= 0.008) appeared to be associated with a reduced risk of VLS. In conclusion, we were unable to confirm many proposed aetiological theories associated with the development of VLS, in particular those associated with autoimmunity.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive and Maternal Medicine, University of Glasgow, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. claire.higgins@glasgow.ac.uk
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Cruickshank
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D007724:Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal