Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the anogenital region, which may present in a prepubertal or adolescent patient. The most popular theories are its autoimmune and genetic conditioning, although theories concerning hormonal and infectious etiology have also been raised. The most common presenting symptoms of VLS is vulva pruritus, discomfort, dysuria and constipation. In physical examination, a classic “Figure 8” pattern is described, involving the labia minora, clitoral hood, and perianal region. The lesions initially are white, flat-topped papules, thin plaques, or commonly atrophic patches. Purpura is a hallmark feature of VLS. The treatment includes topical anti-inflammatory agents and long-term follow-up, as there is a high risk of recurrence and an increased risk of vulvar cancer in adult women with a history of lichen sclerosus. This article reviews vulvar lichen sclerosus in children and provides evidence-based medicine principles for treatment in the pediatric population. A systematic search of the literature shows recurrence of VLS in children. Maintenance regimens deserve further consideration.
Background: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased risk of both maternal and neonatal complications. Common maternal complications include anemia, hypertensive disorders, and a higher incidence of infections, including Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Additionally, adolescents are at increased risk for gestational diabetes and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal complications often involve low birth weight, prematurity, and an increased likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Objectives: This study aims to assess and compare the prevalence of obstetric complications between adolescent and older pregnant women. Methods: This retrospective study investigates obstetric outcomes in adolescent pregnancies, analyzing data collected from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2024. This study included 902 participants, of whom 224 were adolescents. The variables were categorized into maternal, birth, and neonatal characteristics. Results: Adolescent patients demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection, affecting 25.89% of this group. Adolescent patients reported 17.86% nicotine use during pregnancy, a rate significantly higher than that of older age groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, adolescent pregnancies were associated with the highest mean blood loss during delivery, averaging 500 mL during vaginal birth and 1050 mL during cesarean section, leading to a higher incidence of blood transfusions (3.13%, p = 0.021). Newborns from adolescent pregnancies had the lowest mean birth weight (3199 g) and length (53.6 cm). Neonatal complications were more frequent in this group, affecting 20.09% of newborns, with a significantly higher rate of admission to intensive care units (2.68%, p = 0.008). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and more proactive management strategies to address the specific challenges faced by this population.
Objectives: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unclear etiology. Recent studies show that 15–34% of cases in adult women and 14% in girls coexist with allergies or autoimmune diseases, among others — celiac disease (CD). Most of the research on the coexistence of VLS and autoimmune diseases has been carried out on a group of adult women. Literature data on this issue are very scarce. Material and methods: The presented work is a pioneering project in which we tried to elucidate a possible relationship between celiac disease and lichen sclerosus in girls. The aim of the research was to study the antibodies characteristic of celiac disease in girls with VLS. The control group consisted of 35 heathy adolescent girls and the study group consisted of 20 girls aged 2–18 years old diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus recruited at the Gynecological Clinic for Girls at the Women’s Health Center in Katowice. Results: There were no significant differences in the concentrations of antibodies characteristic for CD in the blood serum between the studied groups. Conclusions: The main limitation of our study was the small size of the study group. It is therefore legitimate to conduct further research on a larger study group to find themutual correlations between the analyzed antibodies and the onset and the course of VLS in girls. The finding of a positive correlation between the coexistence of VLS and CD may prevent potentially serious, long-term complications. Objectives: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unclear etiology. Recent studies show that 15–34% of cases in adult women and 14% in girls coexist with allergies or autoimmune diseases, among others — celiac disease (CD). Most of the research on the coexistence of VLS and autoimmune diseases has been carried out on a group of adult women. Literature data on this issue are very scarce. Material and methods: The presented work is a pioneering project in which we tried to elucidate a possible relationship between celiac disease and lichen sclerosus in girls. The aim of the research was to study the antibodies characteristic of celiac disease in girls with VLS. The control group consisted of 35 heathy adolescent girls and the study group consisted of 20 girls aged 2–18 years old diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus recruited at the Gynecological Clinic for Girls at the Women’s Health Center in Katowice. Results: There were no significant differences in the concentrations of antibodies characteristic for CD in the blood serum between the studied groups. Conclusions: The main limitation of our study was the small size of the study group. It is therefore legitimate to conduct further research on a larger study group to find themutual correlations between the analyzed antibodies and the onset and the course of VLS in girls. The finding of a positive correlation between the coexistence of VLS and CD may prevent potentially serious, long-term complications.
Objectives: We aimed to validate the predictive performance of the PRE-ECV Score, a pre-specified clinical tool, using logistic recalibration and bootstrap optimism correction to estimate the probability of successful external cephalic version (ECV) at term. Methods: The PRE-ECV Score was defined a priori based on a literature review and expert consensus, incorporating eight variables supported by level A or B scientific evidence (total score range 0–13). Validation of this pre-specified score was performed in a retrospective, single-center cohort of 100 consecutive ECV procedures between November 2023 and October 2025. Study conduct and reporting adhered to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement. Results: The revised PRE-ECV Score demonstrated moderate discrimination (AUC = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.85). Calibration was moderate, with a bootstrap-corrected intercept of −3.02 (95% CI, −5.42 to −1.51) and a calibration slope of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.44–1.18). Observed ECV success rates increased across score strata, from 34.6% (0–4 points) to 79.4% (5–8 points) and 100% (≥9 points). Conclusions: The PRE-ECV Score demonstrated moderate discrimination and satisfactory calibration in this single-center validation. Given the small sample and model optimism, these results should be interpreted strictly as proof-of-concept.
Objective: This study examines early neonatal adaptation and birth complications in adolescents with term pregnancies who had positive cervical canal cultures upon hospital admission. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 1 January 2015 to 15 November 2024. Conducted at Bonifraters Medical Center in Katowice, Poland, the study included 267 individuals, with 178 over the age of 19 and 89 under the age of 19. Results: Adolescents exhibited significantly higher rates of positive GBS cultures in the third trimester (62.92% vs. 38.20%; p < 0.001) than older individuals. Neonates of adolescent mothers experienced increased congenital pneumonia (7.87% vs. 1.12%; p = 0.012) and antibiotic administration (10.11% vs. 2.81%; p = 0.026). Lactation failure was markedly higher in adolescent mothers (10.11% vs. 1.12%; p = 0.002). Adolescents also showed more postpartum blood loss (median: 250 mL vs. 200 mL; p < 0.001) and more extended hospital stays (median: 3 vs. 2 days; p = 0.002). Neonatal anthropometric measures revealed shorter body lengths in the adolescent group (median: 53 cm vs. 54 cm; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancies are associated with significantly higher rates of complications and adverse neonatal outcomes, especially infectious causes. Although our study results are preliminary, it appears that chronic GBS colonization in pregnant adolescents may impact pregnancy and newborn outcomes.