Cardiovascular risk factors in patients with lichen planus

Chronic inflammation was found to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Recently a case-control study found that lichen planus was associated with dyslipidemia in a large series of patients. However, no data were presented about lipid values, glucose levels, or blood pressure.

The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors included in Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome in men and women with lichen planus and in healthy controls.

This case-control study included 200 patients, 100 with lichen planus (50 men and 50 women) and 100 controls consecutively admitted to the outpatient clinic in Dermatology departments in Granada, Spain.

Analysis of metabolic syndrome parameters revealed a higher significant prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with lichen planus. No significant differences were observed in glucose levels, abdominal obesity, or blood pressure. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen were noted in patients with lichen planus. Adjusted odds ratio for dyslipidemia in patients with lichen planus was 2.85 (95% confidence interval, 1.33-5.09; P=.001).

Chronic inflammation in patients with lichen planus may explain the association with dyslipidemia. Lipid levels screening in men or women with lichen planus may be useful to detect individuals at risk and start preventive treatment against the development of cardiovascular disease.