Untersuchungen zur Effektivität von Clobetasol 0,05 % in der Therapie des Lichen sclerosus der Vulva

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Clobetasol 0.05 % for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus. MATERIAL UND METHODS: All patients with histologically verified lichen sclerosus treated with Clobetasol 0.05 % (at least 12 weeks' application) at our clinic between 1999 and 2006 were identified and their records retrospectively analyzed. Patients were then contacted and received a questionnaire (including the Patient Benefit Index, PBI) to evaluate the efficacy of Clobetasol 0.05 % as well as the patients' satisfaction with the treatment received. RESULTS: 96 patients were included in the study. The age range was 59.7 ± 16.5 years. All patients included in the study received a questionnaire. The overall response rate was 59.7 % (n = 48). 70.9 % of patients thought that treatment with Clobetasol 0.05 % for at least 12 weeks resulted in an improvement of their symptoms, 18.8 % felt that using Clobetasol 0.05 % eased their problems at least moderately, while 9.4 % did not experience any benefit from the therapy. Patients' assessment of the therapeutic success showed a similar pattern (75 % very successful, 15.6 % moderately successful and 9.4 % not successful). CONCLUSION: Based on the opinion of affected patients, topical Clobetasol 0.05 % is a very effective therapy for vulvar lichen sclerosus; treatment should always be considered in order to ease the sometimes irritating symptoms of the disease.