Zero prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in clinicopathologically proven lichen planus cases: a cross sectional study at a tertiary care centre in south India

Authors

  • Lekshmi Sajini Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala
  • Gopikrishnan Anjaneyan Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala
  • Soumya Jagadeesan Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala
  • Vinitha Varghese Panicker Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala
  • Sreedevan V. Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala
  • Gopakumar . Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala
  • Jacob Thomas Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20173690

Keywords:

Lichen planus, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Histopathology

Abstract

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a common chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Several editorials, chapters, studies have suggested an association between hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus (to a lesser extent) in LP. This association was not seen in various parts of the world including India.

Methods: Patients attending the dermatology outpatient department with lichen planus confirmed by histopathologic examination were included in the study and along with clinic-epidemiological data, all the patients were tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection.

Results: A total of 84 patients of clinico-pathologically proven lichen planus were included in the study out of which 31 were males and 53 were females. The most common age group of lichen planus in our study group was 40-50 years. Major histopathological findings were basal cell degeneration (92.7%), hyperkeratosis (89%), pigment incontinence (73%) and lymphohistiocytic infiltration (70%). All patients in this study group tested negative for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies.

Conclusions: Although numerous studies around the world have suggested an association between HCV and HBV infections with lichen planus- multiple subsequent studies including the present study shows contrasting results especially in this part of the world. The authors believe routine screening of lichen planus patients for presence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection is not warranted, particularly in Indian population. 

Author Biographies

Lekshmi Sajini, Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology

Gopikrishnan Anjaneyan, Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology

Soumya Jagadeesan, Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology

Vinitha Varghese Panicker, Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology

Sreedevan V., Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

Professor, Department of Dermatology

Gopakumar ., Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

senior consultant , Department of Dermatology

Jacob Thomas, Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala

Professor, Department of Dermatology

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Published

2017-08-24

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Original Research Articles