Lack of evidence for hepatitis C virus infection in association with lichen planus.

BACKGROUND

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and lichen planus (LP) is a subject of controversy. Prevalence studies of HCV infection in LP patients in various countries reveal diverse results. The Slovenian population is rather homogenous with specific geographic and epidemiological characteristics. Lack of data or contradictory results from neighboring countries urged the need for a case-controlled study in our LP patients.

METHODS

The retrospective study was performed on 173 LP patients. Control group included 218 patients with dermatological diseases other than LP.

RESULTS

Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 2/173 patients (1.2%) with LP and in 0/218 controls. No statistically significant difference was found between the study and control group regarding anti-HCV antibody prevalence (P = 0.195; estimated OR 6.4, 95% CI 0.3-134.0) and risk factors for HCV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, anti-HCV antibody testing is not necessarily required in LP patients with no risk factors for HCV infection in this geographic region.