Frequency of dyslipidaemia among patients of lichen planus presenting to tertiary care setting

Abstract

Background Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects skin and/or mucous membranes. It is a T-cell-mediated inflammatory disorder which causes lipid metabolic aberrations and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.   Objective To assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients of lichen planus which presents to the Dermatology Department at a tertiary care setting.   Methods In this cross sectional survey, 80 cases of lichen planus were included after clinical and histopathological confirmation. Presence or absence of dyslipidemia was confirmed by fasting lipid profile. Patients taking lipid lowering drugs, patients of diabetes, hypothyroidism (TSH >4.2mIU/ml), hypertension or ischemic heart disease, patients with BMI more than 30 kg/m2, patients with family history of dyslipidemia and early cardiac death, were excluded. Stratification of dyslipidemia with regards to age, gender and area of involvement was carried out.   Results There were 47 (58.8%) males and 33 (41.2%) females. Mean age of the patients was 39.00±11.76 years. Cutaneous lichen planus was seen in 32 (40%) patients, mucosal in 28 (35%) patients and both (cutaneous and mucosal) in 20 (25%) patients. Dyslipidemia was present in 48 (60%) patients. Stratification of dyslipidemia with regard to age and gender was not significant but with regard to mucosal and cutaneous involvement it was significant.   Conclusion Lichen planus is significantly related to dyslipidemia according to this study. Therefore meticulous screening for dyslipidemia is needed in patients of LP.