Improvement in quality of life and sexual function in patients affected by vulvar lichen sclerosus treated with combined autologous platelet-rich plasma and fat grafting.

Abstract

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) severely impairs patients' quality of life. To evaluate the impact of a combined application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and fat grafting as treatment for vulvar LS on patient quality of life. We reviewed the clinical charts of 72 patients affected by LS, who underwent regenerative surgery. The patients' quality of life was assessed using: the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Skindex-29, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the patient-administered - Clinical Scoring System (CSS). After reconstructive surgery, all scores improved: Skindex-29 (-31.8 [IQR: 42.1, -21.8] points; p<0.001), FSFI (7.6 [IQR: 2.7, 14.7)] points; p<0.001), Patient-administered CSS (-24 [IQR: -30, -15] points; p<0.001), DLQI (-9 [IQR: -17, -7] points; p<0.001), Physician-administered CSS (-5 [IQR: -7, -5] points; p<0.001), and IGA (median ΔIGA: -4, IQR: -4, -3; p<0.001). Combined treatment with PRP and fat grafting proved to be effective in improving the quality of life of patients with vulvar LS.