High Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Lichen Planus Patients: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, involving the skin, appendages, and mucous membranes. There is a growing body of evidence about higher risk of metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in some dermatoses including LP. AIM: To evaluate lipid profile, leptin, and CRP status among Iranian LP patients, compared to healthy controls, and peruse the relationship between abnormal values of these parameters with the disease duration and physical characteristics of patients. METHODS: 40 LP patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Data on weight, height, lipid profile, leptin, and CRP values were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The mean values for leptin, CRP, and lipid profile parameters (except for HDL) were higher in patients, compared to controls. Total cholesterol level was negatively associated with disease duration in patients (P value: 0.039, r: −0.33). Serum leptin level was positively correlated with BMI both in patients and controls (P value: 0.037 and 0.003, respectively). In the patient group, LDL level, although insignificant, was higher in men, but HDL and leptin levels were significantly higher in women in comparison with men (P value: 0.018). CONCLUSION: Screening of LP patients in regard to their lipid profile might be more reasonable in men or those who have other cardiovascular risk factors to prevent morbidity and mortality in result of developing cardiovascular events.