Vulval Crohn's disease: a clinical study of 22 patients

Zainab Laftah, Clare Bailey, Shirin Zaheri, Jane Setterfield, Lucinda Claire Fuller, Fiona Lewis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Vulval Crohn's disease [VCD] is a challenging condition that can occur without gastrointestinal Crohn's disease [GCD]. We reviewed the clinical features and effects of therapy in a cohort of 22 patients with VCD to determine whether the presence of GCD affected the clinical presentation and treatment response. Of these, 64% had GCD and 65% of these presented with GCD prior to VCD. Fissuring, ulceration, and scarring were more common in those with VCD alone. Potent and ultra-potent topical steroids showed benefit in most patients. There was no clear evidence of sustained remission with metronidazole. Azathioprine was the most commonly used oral immunosuppressive agent, with an efficacy of 57%. Patients with both VCD and GCD had a better clinical response compared with those with VCD alone [70% and 25%, respectively]. Infliximab and adalimumab were effective in 56% and 71% of patients, respectively. Excision of redundant tissue was helpful in four patients. The absence of GCD may delay the diagnosis in women who present with vulval symptoms alone. The more active clinical features in those with VCD alone may represent a more aggressive condition, or the severity of the cutaneous disease may have been reduced by immunosuppression taken for GCD. Several patients obtained sustained remission in their GCD with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha [anti-TNFα] agents while the VCD remained active.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)318-25
Number of pages8
JournalJournal Of Crohns & Colitis
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2015

Keywords

  • Adalimumab
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Azathioprine
  • Child
  • Crohn Disease
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Methotrexate
  • Middle Aged
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Vulva
  • Vulvar Diseases
  • Young Adult

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