The urological burden of lichen sclerosis: implications for multidisciplinary surveillance and management

BACKGROUND: Lichen sclerosis (LS) is a chronic inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the anogenital skin, with genitourinary involvement leading to scarring, phimosis, and voiding dysfunction. The long-term urological sequelae, including urological interventions, remain unexplored in large cohorts. METHODS: Using the TriNetX database, a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort analysis was conducted, comparing 36,974 patients with LS to 36,974 controls matched by demographics, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, recurrent urinary tract infections, immunosuppressant use, and prior cystourethroscopy and/or temporary indwelling bladder catheter. Outcomes involved patients with >12 months follow-up with urological complications or urological interventions, identified through ICD-10 codes. RESULTS: < 0.0001) rates were significantly elevated in the LS cohort group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the multisystematic involvement of LS and emphasize the importance for comprehensive dermatologic and urologic follow-up.