ASSOCIATION OF LICEN PLANUS WITH HEPATITIS-C IN SOUTHERN PUNJAB POPULATION
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Keywords
Lichen planus, Hepatitis C virus, Oral lesions, Extrahepatic manifestation, Southern Punjab
Abstract
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disorder that has been increasingly associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The relationship between these conditions is of particular clinical importance in Pakistan, where HCV prevalence is among the highest globally.
Objective: To evaluate the correlation of lichen planus with hepatitis C in patients reporting to a tertiary care dental institute in Southern Punjab.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional observational study took place at the Department of Oral Medicine, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan, under the guidance of Dr. Sahrish Liaqat between January 2025 and June 2025. One hundred and fifty LP patients clinically and histologically confirmed were recruited. Demographic and clinical characteristics were noted. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in venous blood samples with ELISA, and PCR was done to demonstrate an active infection. Data were studied to determine the rate and connection between LP and HCV.
Results: Among 150 patients with LP, 54 (36%) were anti-HCV-positive, and PCR confirmed 47 (31.3%) with active infection. The most common was oral presentation (68%) with an increased incidence of HCV positivity (40.2%) as compared to cutaneous (23.8%). Patients in the middle age (31 to 50 years) had the highest HCV positivity (39.2%). Though females were more affected, the difference in gender was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: There is a close correlation between lichen planus and hepatitis C infection, especially in oral cases of lichen planus. Routine screening of HCV is advisable in patients with LP to help diagnose its presence early and adopt comprehensive measures in its management.
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Sahrish Liaqat
Associate Professor, Nishtar Institute Of Dentistry Multan, Pakistan
Muhammad Ali Hashim
Demonstrator, Nishtar Institute Of Dentistry Multan, Pakistan
Muhammad Mashood Riaz
Demonstrator, Multan Medical And Dental College, Pakistan
Roshaan Mazhar
BDS 3rd Year, Multan Medical And Dental College, Pakistan
Shahzad Nasir
Assistant Professor Of OMFS, MIHS Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Muhammad Abi Waqas
Assistant Professor Dental Materials, Multan Medical And Dental College, Pakistan