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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 271-275 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2012 |
Keywords
- Dermatology
- aetiology
- autoimmune disease
- Vulvar Diseases
Access to Document
- Aetiology of Vulval Lichen Sclerosus
This is the author's version of an article accepted for publication as Higgins, C & Cruickshank, M 2012, 'A population based case control study of aetiological factors associated with vulval lichen sclerosus' Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, vol 32, no. 3, pp. 271-275.