Metabolic syndrome in patients with lichen planus: A case‐control study

Abstract

BackgroundLichen Planus (LP) is a chronic dermatosis affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with LP is a trigger predisposing to Metabolic Syndrome.ObjectivesTo study the association of Metabolic Syndrome in patients with LP.Materials and MethodsA hospital‐based prospective case‐control study was conducted from April 2021 to January 2023 including 75 histopathologically confirmed patients with LP and 82 age and sex‐matched controls according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed using Modified National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 26. The chi‐square test was used for data analysis.ResultsThe majority (30.6%) of the patients belonged to the age group 31–40 years. The mean age of patients with LP was 46.13 ± 14.9 years. Female predominance (69.3%) was observed in our study. Patients with classic LP (54.6%) were predominantly observed. Metabolic Syndrome was significantly prevalent in LP patients than in controls (32% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.005, OR 3.037) and was significantly associated with morphology (only oral mucosal involvement, 61.5%, p 0.027, OR 3.9), severity (severe LP, 58.6%, p < 0.001, OR 7.79), and duration of the disease (≥6 months, 55.5%, p 0.001, OR 5.42). 71% of Metabolic Syndrome was observed in females (p 0.847). Among patients with metabolic syndrome, the majority belonged to the age group between 31 and 40 years (37.5%, p 0.378). Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure values (≥130/85 mm of Hg), Serum Triglycerides (≥150 mg/dl), and Low‐Density Lipoprotein (>130 mg/dl) were significantly elevated, and High‐Density Lipoprotein (<40 mg/dl) was significantly low in LP than in controls (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study showed a significant association of Metabolic Syndrome in patients with LP. Thus, patients with LP need to be screened to avoid complications associated with Metabolic Syndrome that is, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, colorectal cancer, and stroke.

Lichen planus: A Systematic Review

“…Additionally, it has been shown that oral lichen planus (OLP) occurs more frequently in patients with poor dietary habits, such as a diet rich in animal fats (red meat, highly processed food, fried food). 32 Dislipidemia observed in up to 81,4% of cases in patients with lichen planus. Dyslipidemia in lichen planus may be caused by cytokine-mediated lipolysis.…”

“…Treating metabolic syndrom is essential to prevent conditions such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases like stroke or heart attac, and many other diseases where metabolic syndrome serves as an underlying factor. 32,34 Finding effective targeted therapy would improve the physical and mental health of patients. It is essential to remember that dermatological diseases significantly reduce the quality of life, often causing embarrassment and distress.…”