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This is a prospective, randomized study in women of reproductive age with vulvar lichen sclerosus. Participants will be randomly assigned by investigators using a computer-generated sequence to receive either combined dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency (DQRF) plus topical corticosteroid therapy or topical high-potency corticosteroid therapy alone. Clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes and tissue-level changes evaluated by histology, elastin histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry for estrogen, androgen receptors and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) will be assessed before and after treatment, and during follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Safety will be monitored throughout the study. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses will be performed in a subset of 10 patients per group before the treatment and at 3 months after the completion of treatment.
This is a prospective, randomized study conducted in women reproductive age with vulvar lichen sclerosus. Computer-generated randomization using an electronic spreadsheet will be used by investigators to assign participants to study groups.
Study groups Group 1: topical high-potency corticosteroid therapy according to the standardized regimen, followed by combined Dynamic Quadripolar Radiofrequency (DQRF) therapy initiated 2 weeks after the start of corticosteroid treatment. DQRF therapy will be administered using a small vulvar applicator in a total of four sessions, performed at two-week intervals.
Group 2: topical high-potency corticosteroid therapy according to a standardized regimen.
Study assessments Clinical assessment At baseline and each follow-up visit, participants will undergo standardized vulvar examination with documentation of objective signs (skin color changes, sclerosis, fissures, erosions, scarring and architectural changes) and symptom severity. Clinical severity will be assessed using a structured clinician-rated vulvar lichen sclerosus severity score. Standardized photo documentation will be performed.
Patient-reported outcome measures
Patient-reported outcomes will be assessed using validated questionnaires:
Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses will be performed in a subset of 10 patients per group. Vulvar punch biopsy specimens will be obtained before initiation of therapy and after completion of treatment for:
Safety assessment Adverse events related to topical therapy, radiofrequency treatment will be recorded throughout the study.
Follow-up period Participants will be followed longitudinally before the treatment, at the end of treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of therapy to evaluate short-term response, durability of clinical improvement, and disease recurrence.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Quadripolar Radiofrequency Plus Topical Corticosteroids | Experimental | Participants receive topical high-potency corticosteroid therapy according to the standardized regimen, followed by combined Dynamic Quadripolar Radiofrequency (DQRF) therapy initiated 2 weeks after the start of corticosteroid treatment. |
|
| Topical Corticosteroid Monotherapy | Active Comparator | Participants receive topical high-potency corticosteroid therapy according to a standardized treatment regimen. |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Quadripolar Radiofrequency (DQRF) | Device | Dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency therapy administered according to a standardized treatment protocol consisting of four sessions performed at two-week intervals. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in clinical severity of vulvar lichen sclerosus | Change from baseline in patient-reported symptom intensity using validated questionnaire (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pruritus, vulvar pain, burning, dryness and dyspareunia). | Before treatment (baseline), at the end of treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of therapy. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes | Change from baseline in general health-related quality of life assessed using the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12). Change from baseline in sexual function assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). | Before treatment (baseline), at the end of treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of therapy. |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khava Balashova, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology | Contact | +79251864388 | Hava199@mail.ru |
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Khava Balashova, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology | National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation | Recruiting | Moscow | Russia |
Patients data is available upon request from the authors with no identifiable information
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| Topical high-potency corticosteroid | Drug | Topical high-potency corticosteroid therapy administered according to the same standardized treatment regimen as in the control arm. |
|
| Tissue-Level Biomarkers | Change from baseline in estrogen and androgen receptor expression (percentage) in vulvar tissue assessed by immunohistochemistry in a subset of 10 patients per group. Change from baseline in superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression (percentage) in vulvar tissue assessed by immunohistochemistry in a subset of 10 patients per group. Change from baseline in elastin fiber staining intensity (percentage) and distribution in vulvar tissue assessed by histochemical analysis in a subset of 10 patients per group. | Before treatment (baseline) and at 3 months after completion of therapy. |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D007724 | Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D014845 | Vulvar Diseases |
| D005831 | Genital Diseases, Female |
| D052776 | Female Urogenital Diseases |
| D005261 | Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications |
| D000091642 | Urogenital Diseases |
| D000091662 | Genital Diseases |
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