Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40056253›Full record

ArticleEuropean journal of pediatrics2025

Paediatric and adolescent vulvar lichen sclerosus: delay in diagnosis.

Victoria L Crofts, Dehlia Moussaoui, Viktoriia Shynkarova, Michal Yaron

Abstract read
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Article in European journal of pediatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Victoria L CroftsDivision of Gynaecology, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland. Victoria.crofts@hug.ch.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4488-2012
Dehlia MoussaouiDivision of Paediatrics, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Viktoriia ShynkarovaDivision of Gynaecology, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Michal YaronDivision of Gynaecology, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus(VLS) is an uncommon, often misdiagnosed condition with a chronic course. Children presenting with VLS may have a wide variety of complaints, which complicates diagnosis. The differentiation of symptoms in the course of VLS causes great diagnostic difficulties. Delayed diagnosis may have an impact on vulvar architecture and long-term sexual health, and can often lead to frustration for both the patient and her parents. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for delayed diagnosis of VLS in girls and adolescents and to investigate the number of different doctors and specialists consulted before the diagnosis of VLS, the symptoms reported, and the clinical presentation at time of diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective descriptive unicentric cohort study by reviewing medical charts of paediatric and adolescent girls diagnosed with VLS in a tertiary Swiss Centre. The average delay from first symptoms to VLS diagnosis was three years. Many symptoms went unrecognised despite consultations with a wide range of specialists. Once topical corticosteroids were prescribed, relief of symptoms was very quick, usually within one month.

conclusionEven for a wealthy country such as Switzerland, with ample access to healthcare and specialists, it still takes a long time to arrive at the correct diagnosis and treatment of VLS. Improving knowledge and understanding of VLS disease among paediatricians and healthcare providers could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, and thereby significantly improve patient outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN: •  VLS is a chronic, often misdiagnosed condition with a variety of symptoms in children. •  Delayed diagnosis can impact vulvar anatomy and long-term sexual health. WHAT IS NEW: •  In Switzerland (Canton od Geneva), the average delay from symptoms to diagnosis is three years, despite specialist access. • Many patients see multiple doctors before diagnosis, highlighting the need for better awareness among healthcare providers.

Indexed as

Delayed DiagnosisVulvar Lichen SclerosusAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolFemaleHumansRetrospective StudiesSwitzerlandPaediatric and adolescent gynaecologyPaediatric dermatologyPrepubertal vulvar affectionPruritisVulvaVulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Identifiers

PMID40056253
PMCPMC11890373

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