PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS IN THE EROSIVE FORM OF ORAL LICHEN-PLANUS

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 relations hip between the erosive form of oral lichen planus and HCV. Patients a nd methods. A retrospective study was conducted in a consecutive sampl e of 28 patients suffering from oral erosive lichen planus and seen in our department between 1992 and 1996. Anti-HCV antibodies were detect ed 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 wh ich is between 1 and 2 p. 100 in our region (Southern France). Among t hese 8 patients, 7 had severe chronic liver disease, and 5 of them wer e actively replicating the virus. Discussion. Our results suggest a st rong relationship between erosive oral lichen planus and HCV-related c hronic hepatitis. We conclude that patients with the erosive form of o ral lichen planus should be systematically evaluated for HCV infection .