Background: In the literature, there are only preliminary studies evaluating the clinical effect of hybrid cooperative complexes of Hyaluronic acid (HCC) in patients affected by vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), showing an improvement in the quality of life, but none of these considered the dermatoscopic changes that occurred after HCC treatment. Objective: The primary aim of our study is the improvement of baseline dermatoscopic parameters 6 months after regenerative therapy with HCC. In addition, clinical and ultrasound parameters were also evaluated. Methods: a prospective observational cohort study was performed, patients with VLS who suspended topical steroid therapy were included. Two HCC intradermal injection of 2 ml of HCC were performed one month apart. Patients were evaluated at baseline (before HCC injections), 1, 3, and 6 months after the last HCC injection and clinical assessment, evaluation in digital dermatoscopy, skin ultrasound and administration of the validated Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) questionnaires were performed. Results: A total of 25 patients affected by VLS were included in the study and completed the 6 months of follow-up. Considering the p-for-trend we found a statistically significant reduction at 6 months for sclerosis, leukoderma, hyperkeratosis, itching, burning, pain (p<0.001) and purpuric lesions (p=0.006). As regards quality of life, a significant improvement in DLQI and FSFI was observed. Considering dermatoscopic assessment we found a statistically significant reduction at 6 months for vascularization, whitish plaques without structure, purpuric lesions, comedo-like outlets, horny pearls, scales, ice silvers structures, whitish background (p<0.001), and gray-blue dots (p=0.010). Considering ultrasound assessment, we found a significant improvement in the thickness of hypoechoic band, the epidermal morphology irregularity, and the non-homogeneity of the hypoechoic band. Conclusion: this prospective observational study demonstrated a significant improvement in dermatoscopic, ultrasound and clinical parameters after HCC injection therapy in patients with VLS.
Valutazione dei cambiamenti dermoscopici dopo trattamento con complessi ibridi cooperativi di acido ialuronico nelle donne affette da lichen sclerosus vulvare: studio osservazionale prospettico / Rizzetto, Giulio. - (2026 Mar 24).
Valutazione dei cambiamenti dermoscopici dopo trattamento con complessi ibridi cooperativi di acido ialuronico nelle donne affette da lichen sclerosus vulvare: studio osservazionale prospettico
RIZZETTO, GIULIO
2026-03-24
Abstract
Background: In the literature, there are only preliminary studies evaluating the clinical effect of hybrid cooperative complexes of Hyaluronic acid (HCC) in patients affected by vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), showing an improvement in the quality of life, but none of these considered the dermatoscopic changes that occurred after HCC treatment. Objective: The primary aim of our study is the improvement of baseline dermatoscopic parameters 6 months after regenerative therapy with HCC. In addition, clinical and ultrasound parameters were also evaluated. Methods: a prospective observational cohort study was performed, patients with VLS who suspended topical steroid therapy were included. Two HCC intradermal injection of 2 ml of HCC were performed one month apart. Patients were evaluated at baseline (before HCC injections), 1, 3, and 6 months after the last HCC injection and clinical assessment, evaluation in digital dermatoscopy, skin ultrasound and administration of the validated Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) questionnaires were performed. Results: A total of 25 patients affected by VLS were included in the study and completed the 6 months of follow-up. Considering the p-for-trend we found a statistically significant reduction at 6 months for sclerosis, leukoderma, hyperkeratosis, itching, burning, pain (p<0.001) and purpuric lesions (p=0.006). As regards quality of life, a significant improvement in DLQI and FSFI was observed. Considering dermatoscopic assessment we found a statistically significant reduction at 6 months for vascularization, whitish plaques without structure, purpuric lesions, comedo-like outlets, horny pearls, scales, ice silvers structures, whitish background (p<0.001), and gray-blue dots (p=0.010). Considering ultrasound assessment, we found a significant improvement in the thickness of hypoechoic band, the epidermal morphology irregularity, and the non-homogeneity of the hypoechoic band. Conclusion: this prospective observational study demonstrated a significant improvement in dermatoscopic, ultrasound and clinical parameters after HCC injection therapy in patients with VLS.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
