LOW-DOSE LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARIN (ENOXAPARIN) IS BENEFICIAL IN LICHEN-PLANUS - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Background: Low-dose heparin devoid of anticoagulant activity inhibits T-lymphocyte heparanase activity, which is crucial in T-cell migratio n to target tissues. Objective: The purpose of this study was to asses s the efficacy of low-dose enoxaparin (Clexane), a low-molecular-weigh t heparin, as monotherapy in lichen planus. Methods: Included in the s tudy were 10 patients with widespread histopathologically proven liche n planus (LP) associated with intense pruritus of several months' dura tion. Patients were given 3 mg enoxaparin, subcutaneously once weekly; three patients received four injections, and seven patients received six injections. Results: In nine patients the itch disappeared within 2 weeks. Within 4 to 10 weeks in eight of these patients, there was co mplete regression of the eruption with residual postinflammatory hyper pigmentation; in one patient, there was marked improvement. In one pat ient, no effect was observed. Of the four patients who also had oral L P, only one showed improvement. No side effects were observed in any o f the patients. Conclusion: These findings indicate that enoxaparin ma y be a simple, effective treatment for cutaneous LP.