Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic value of epicutaneous patch testing in patients with oral lichenoid lesions

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We sought to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic value of epicutaneous patch testing in patients with oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs). METHODS: Bibliographic searches were conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, the Cochrane library, EBSCO, Scopus, Web of knowledge and Google scholar from January 1990 to December 2011. Search terms related to some or all of the population, intervention, comparison and outcome components (PICO components) were entered into literature databases. Studies were reviewed with respect to inclusion criteria, and data of patient with oral lichenoid reactions, who underwent patch tests, the results of the tests and the healing processes after replacement therapy were reviewed. Data were analyzed by calculating odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) using Stata software program. RESULTS: 24 studies compared the diagnostic value of patch testing in patients with OLL; 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 806 men and women with an age range of 23-84 were evaluated. 16 to 68% of patients had positive patch test results. A total of 443 patients had their restorations replaced, and complete healing ranged from 20 to 93% use expanded form of OLLs at the first time. OR index was 7.8 and 95% CI (3.39-18.38) showed that the chance of recovery of lichenoid lesions in positive patch test patients was 3.4-18.4 times greater than negative patch test patients. CONCLUSION: Patch test has good diagnostic value in replacing restorative dental materials in patients with OLLs.