Abstract
Background: To evaluate efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% twice daily for treatment of vulvar lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). Methods: Patients in this 12-week, open-label study had biopsy-proven vulvar LSC. Inclusion criteria were patient-reported Visual Analog Scale for Pruritus Relief ≧3 (VAS-PR, 0 cm = no itching to 10 cm = severe itching) and Investigator’s Global Assessment ≧2 (IGA, 0 = no disease to 3 = severe disease). Safety was evaluated by adverse event reports and pimecrolimus blood level measurements. Results: Twelve women aged 25–53 years were enrolled. The median pruritus score (VAS-PR) decreased from 6 (min. 4.9, max. 9.0) at baseline to 0 cm at week 4 (max. 4.2), week 8 (max. 3.1) and week 12 (max. 2.1). Seven patients reported complete resolution of pruritus by week 4. Median IGA decreased from 2.5 (min. 2, max. 3) at baseline to 0 (min. 0, max. 2) at week 12. Erythema, excoriation, and lichenification improved for all patients. Pimecrolimus blood concentration for all samples was below the limit of quantification, 0.3 ng/ml. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, signs and symptoms of vulvar LSC improved for all women and pimecrolimus cream showed a favorable safety profile. Larger prospective studies are needed to further evaluate pimecrolimus for treatment of vulvar LSC.
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