Quality of life and burden of disease of vulvar lichen sclerosus: A single-center retrospective study in China

ObjectiveThis study examined the quality of life and burden of disease of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) patients in three states of menstruation to better understand VLS.MethodsA total of 607 VLS patients were enrolled into this retrospective study. According to the ages of onset, menarche and menopause, the patients were divided into three groups: prepubertal group (n = 96), reproductive group (n = 400) and postmenopausal group (n = 111). Data were collected by direct interview and clinical examination.ResultsA total of 93% of patients had itching, with a median numerical rating scale score of five. In the prepubertal group, the median score was three. Nocturnal itching occurred in 49.6% patients. Nearly half of the patients (45.9%) thought the itching affected their sleep. However, this ratio was very different in the prepubertal group (20.7%). Some patients (12.8%) cleaned their vulva more than seven times per week. Only 17.2% of patients experienced no effect on their sex life. The median dermatology life quality index score in all patients was six, but it was only three in the prepubertal group. The median number of hospital visits was two times, and the number of clinic visits was three times. Previous expenses, in median, were 2000 RMB. For 84.3% patients, the gynecologic clinic was their first choice.ConclusionVLS places great physical, mental and economic burdens on patients. Patients in the prepubertal group had milder symptoms and dermatology life quality index score. VLS should arouse the attention of patients and specialists. Vulvar lichen sclerosus leads to a decrease in patient's quality of life and places great economic burdens on patients.