Association Between Oral Lichen Planus and Thyroid Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between oral lichen planus (OLP) and thyroid disease (TD).
• Other comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and mood disorders have also been investigated in relation to OLP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between oral lichen planus and thyroid disease.
• To examine the prevalence of other comorbidities in patients with OLP compared to a control group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 120 participants (60 OLP patients, 60 controls).
• Collection of medical histories focusing on thyroid disease and other comorbidities.
• Statistical analysis to determine associations between OLP and various health conditions.

Main Results:

• Thyroid disease prevalence was higher in OLP patients (20%) than controls (6.7%).
• Hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid disorder in OLP patients (13.3%).
• A moderate statistical probability of association was found between OLP and TD (p=0.054), but not with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, anxiety, or depression.

Conclusions:

• The association between oral lichen planus and thyroid disease remains inconclusive.
• Findings suggest a moderate statistical probability of a relationship between OLP and TD.
• No significant associations were found between OLP and other investigated comorbidities.