Relationship between lichen planus and dyslipidemia: A case-control study from Southwest Iran

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which leads to changes in lipid metabolism. It may cause chronic atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study is to compare lipid levels of patients with LP to healthy controls. Methods: This case-control study recruited 100 total participants, 50 (25 male and 25 female) patients with LP and 50 healthy controls admitted to the Dermatology Clinic of Imam Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels were measured in samples drawn after a 12-hour fasting period. Results: Patients with LP had significantly higher triglycerides (147.7 vs. 118.4 mg/dl, P<0.05), total cholesterol (188 vs. 173 mg/ dl, P<0.05), LDL (122 vs. 106 mg/dl, P<0.05), and lower HDL (49 vs. 57 mg/dl, P<0.05) levels compared to controls. Conclusion: This study showed an association between LP and dyslipidemia. Screening of serum lipids in patients with LP might be valuable to prevent cardiovascular diseases.