loading page

Fractional CO2 Laser for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: a Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial
  • +6
  • Leia Mitchell,
  • Andrew Goldstein,
  • Debra Heller,
  • Theodora Mautz,
  • Chelsea Thorne ,
  • So Yeon Joyce Kong ,
  • Maria Sophocles ,
  • Hillary Tolson,
  • Jill Krapf
Leia Mitchell
Mercer University College of Continuing and Professional Studies

Corresponding Author:leiamitchell11@gmail.com

Author Profile
Andrew Goldstein
The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders
Author Profile
Debra Heller
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Author Profile
Theodora Mautz
The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders
Author Profile
Chelsea Thorne
The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders
Author Profile
So Yeon Joyce Kong
Mercer University College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Author Profile
Maria Sophocles
Women’s Healthcare of Princeton
Author Profile
Hillary Tolson
The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders
Author Profile
Jill Krapf
The Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders
Author Profile

Abstract

Objective To determine the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser (FXCO2) therapy for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). Design Prospective, double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized trial. Setting Clinic specializing in vulvovaginal disorders. Population Forty women with active VLS confirmed with biopsy who abstaining from topical and/or systemic treatments for at least 4 weeks. Methods Women were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either five sham laser treatments or five FXCO2 treatments in a 24-week period. Pre- and post-treatment biopsies were obtained on all participants. Study participants, treating clinicians, and evaluating pathologist were blinded. Main Outcome Measures Primary: pre- and post-treatment biopsy Histopathologic Scale (HS) findings. Secondary: Clinical Scoring System for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (CSS) Results There was a 0.12 reduction (improvement) in HS from baseline in the active treatment group (95%CI = -1.01, 0.78, p=0.79) and a 0.06 increase from baseline in the sham treatment group (95%CI - -0.81, 0.92, p=0.90). The change in HS between the active and sham arm was not statistically significant (-0.17; 95%CI = -1.14, 1.06, p=0.78). There was a 6.82-point reduction (improvement) in the patients’ CSS from baseline in the active (95% CI = -11.28, -2.37, p= 0.004) and a 4.83-point reduction in the sham treatment group (95% CI = -9.16, -0.51, p=0.03). In the clinicians’ CSS, there was a 0.82 increase (worsening) in the active (95% CI = -0.46, 2.11, p=0.20) and a 0.28 reduction in the sham treatment group (95% CI = -1.53, 0.97, p=0.65). Conclusions. FXCO2 is not an effective monotherapy treatment for VLS