Associations of lichen planus: A study of 63 cases

Background Lichen planus (LP) is a disease of unknown etiology, but immunopathological mechanisms are implicated in its pathogenesis. Some disorders are associated with LP more frequently than is expected by chance. Objectives The study was aimed to determine the frequency of autoimmune disorders associated with lichen planus and to compare our results with international literature. Patients and methods The current study was conducted in the outpatient department of dermatology, Ziauddin Medical University, KDLB Campus, Karachi. Clinically diagnosed cases of lichen planus belonging to both sexes and all age groups fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. After a detailed history and examination, patients were investigated. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy and histopathology. All the findings were recorded, compiled and analyzed. Results Sixty three patients, 39 males (62%) and 24 females (38%), aged 10 upto 60 yrs were studied. Maximum number of patients (68%) was aged 20-40 yrs. Limbs (47%) were the most common site involved. Following diseases were observed to be associated with lichen planus: HCV 4 (6.3%), diabetes mellitus 4 (6.3%), alopecia areata 3 (4.7%), systemic lupus erythematosus 2 (3%), vitiligo 2 (3%), HBV vaccination 2 (3%), morphea 1 (1.5%), lichen sclerosus et atrophicus 1 (1.5%), chronic active hepatitis 1 (1.5%), dermatomyositis 1 ( 1.5%) and thyroid disorders 1(1.5%). Conclusion Lichen planus, an autoimmune disorder has a frequent association with other autoimmune diseases