Oral Lichen Planus as an Extra–hepatic Manifestation of Viral Hepatitis–Evaluation in Indian Subpopulation
2068-2069
Correspondence
Dr. Mohan Kumar K.P.,
Door No 1029, 2nd Main, 4th Cross, Vinobanagar, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
Phone: 09342238439, E-mail: drmohankp@gmail.com
Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is considered to be associated with numerous systemic conditions one of which
includes Chronic Liver Disease (CLD). Hepatitis virus B and C (HBV and HCV) have known to be important causative agents of
CLD and can be prevalent in asymptomatic carriers that can make them difficult to identify. Off late, the association of viral hepatitis
with OLP has been a subject of controversy due to conflicting reports. Indian studies on this regard are sparse to evaluate the
same. Association between the hepatitis virus and OLP, if present and established, can be of great help to format a protocol for
identifying carrier states of viral hepatitis due to HBV and HCV.
Methodology: Forty five cases of clinically and histologically confirmed OLP were subjected to a serological screening of
hepatitis B and C viruses by detection of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies.
Results: None of OLP cases were seropositive for the hepatitis viruses.
Conclusion: We could not demonstrate any association between OLP and viral hepatitis. This could be attributed to
lower prevalence of hepatitis viruses compared to the countries hyper endemic for these viruses or genotypic variation of the
viruses or other etiological factors contributing for the present group of patients.