Lichen planus and dyslipidaemia: A case-control study

Background Previous reports have demonstrated an association between psoriasis and dyslipidaemia. Objectives As lichen planus (LP) is also a chronic inflammatory disorder, we investigated the association between LP and dyslipidaemia in Israel. Methods A case-control study was performed utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services, a large healthcare provider organization in Israel. Patients aged 20-79 years who were diagnosed as having LP were compared with a sample of enrollees without LP regarding the prevalence of dyslipidaemia. Data on other health-related lifestyle factors and comorbidities were collected. Results The study included 1477 patients with LP and 2856 controls without LP. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was significantly higher in patients with LP (42·5% vs. 37·8%, P = 0·003; odds ratio, OR 1·21, 95% confidence interval, [CI]: 1·06-1·38). A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that LP was significantly associated with dyslipidaemia even after controlling for confounders, including age, sex, smoking, hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, socioeconomic status and obesity (multivariate OR 1·34, 95% CI: 1·14-1·57, P < 0·001). Conclusions In the present study, LP was found to be associated with dyslipidaemia.