OBJECTIVE: An increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatitis has been reported in patients with lichen planus. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the erosive form of oral lichen planus and HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a consecutive sample of 28 patients suffering from oral erosive lichen planus and seen in our department between 1992 and 1996. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in all cases by third generation recombinant immunoblot assay. PCR was performed to detect HCV RNA in the serum sample from 19 patients. RESULTS: Eight patients (29 p. 100) tested positive for HCV antibodies. These results were compared with the rate of HCV chronic carriers which is between 1 and 2 p. 100 in our region (Southern France). Among these 8 patients, 7 had severe chronic liver disease, and 5 of them were actively replicating the virus. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest a strong relationship between erosive oral lichen planus and HCV-related chronic hepatitis. We conclude that patients with the erosive form of oral lichen planus should be systematically evaluated for HCV infection.
OBJECTIVE: An increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatitis has been reported in patients with lichen planus. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the erosive form of oral lichen planus and HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a consecutive sample of 28 patients suffering from oral erosive lichen planus and seen in our department between 1992 and 1996. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in all cases by third generation recombinant immunoblot assay. PCR was performed to detect HCV RNA in the serum sample from 19 patients. RESULTS: Eight patients (29 p. 100) tested positive for HCV antibodies. These results were compared with the rate of HCV chronic carriers which is between 1 and 2 p. 100 in our region (Southern France). Among these 8 patients, 7 had severe chronic liver disease, and 5 of them were actively replicating the virus. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest a strong relationship between erosive oral lichen planus and HCV-related chronic hepatitis. We conclude that patients with the erosive form of oral lichen planus should be systematically evaluated for HCV infection.