Comparative Analysis of Sociodemographic, Clinical Features, Laboratory Findings, and Treatment Protocols in Generalized and Localized Cutaneous Lichen Planus.

BACKGROUND

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory, and mucocutaneous disease that can present in various clinical forms, affecting the skin, mucosa, and appendages of the skin. A more extensive form of cutaneous LP, known as generalized cutaneous LP (GCLP), involves a significant portion of the body surface area. Because of the accompanying intense pruritus and difficulties with its treatment, the diagnosis and treatment of GCLP are gaining importance. In this study, we aimed to compare the characteristics of cutaneous LP with localized involvement and those of GCLP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients' sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender), clinical features (localization and duration of lesions), laboratory findings, treatments received, and relapse rates following treatment using electronic medical records obtained from our university's digital registry system.

RESULTS

Among the patients with cutaneous LP, 24.7% (n=46) had localized cutaneous LP (LCLP), and 22.5% (n=42) had GCLP. Involvement of the trunk and flexural regions was higher among the patients with GCLP than LCLP (p<0.001 and p=0.012, respectively). Hypertriglyceridemia and hepatitis B core antibody positivity were also observed more frequently in the patients with generalized than LCLP (p=0.005 and p=0.016, respectively). Narrowband ultraviolet B and acitretin were more effective in treating patients with GCLP (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). When the relapse rates in both LP groups were compared, relapses were more frequent in the patients with GCLP (p=0.022).  Conclusions: The lesion localization, treatment needs, and relapse rates of patients with GCLP differ from those of patients with LCLP.  This article was previously presented as an e-poster at the 32nd National Turkish Dermatology Congress on November 24, 2024.