A population-based case-control study of aetiological factors associated with vulval lichen sclerosus

Higgins, C.A. and Cruickshank, M.E. (2012) A population-based case-control study of aetiological factors associated with vulval lichen sclerosus. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 32(3), pp. 271-275. (doi: 10.3109/01443615.2011.649320)

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, i

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Higgins, Dr Claire
• Authors: Higgins, C.A., and Cruickshank, M.E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• ISSN: 0144-3615
• ISSN (Online): 1364-6893