Association of Mucocutaneous Lichen Planus with Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a one year Cross Sectional Study at K.L.E.S Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To find out the association of Hepatitis C Virus infection with mucocutaneous Lichen Planus ( LP ) and to study various clinical and histopathological manifestations of Lichen Planus. Materials and Methods: The present study is a one-year, cross-sectional study from November 2007 to October 2008. The patient’s demographic data, location of lesions, risk factors were noted in a pre-tested and pre-designed proforma after taking informed and written consent. All clinically diagnosed cases of Lichen Planus were subjected to Punch biopsy for histopathology and Second Generation ELISA test for HCV antibodies ( Anti-HCV ) in human serum. Results: A total number of 50 cases were studied, none of the patients were positive for antibodies to HCV. Maximum cases were in the age group of 21-40 years ( 46% ) . Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. In the study 96% of patients had only cutaneous involvement, 8% had cutaneous and mucosal lesion and 4% patients had only mucosal involvement. 86% cases were of Classical LP. Conclusion: No association was established between mucocutaneous LP and HCV infection.