Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with mucosal involvement in lichen planus: an observational study

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving the skin, mucosa, hair, and nails. Previous reports have shown a possible association between LP and metabolic derangement, leading to increased cardiovascular risk among these patients. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in LP patients and to study their relationship with mucosal involvement in LP.

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of 123 LP patients. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and evaluation was done for the presence of abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. MetS was diagnosed according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria for the South Asian population. Data analysis was done using appropriate statistical methods.

The prevalence of MetS in LP patients was 31%. The mean age of LP patients having MetS was considerably higher than those without MetS (44.8 ± 13.6 vs. 33.3 ± 15.9 years; P = 0.0002). Although statistically insignificant, female patients and patients with mucosal involvement showed a higher prevalence of MetS. Central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were more prevalent in mucosal LP patients than in those without mucosal lesions, with hyperglycemia having a significantly higher prevalence in mucosal LP (41% vs. 18%; P = 0.015).

Incre ased age, female gender, and mucosal involvement are important predictors of concurrent metabolic derangement in LP patients. Thus, these patients should be screened for the presence of MetS and its components.