The relationship between oral lichen planus and gastrointestinal symptoms

Background: Gastrointestinal complications, followed by involvement of gastrointestinal tract with oral lichen planus, are one of the problems of the patients with oral lichen planus. Gastrointestinal symptoms should be evaluated to reject malignancy probability (1-5%). Given lack of information and different reported frequencies in Iran and other countries, this study was conducted in order to evaluate the relationship between oral lichen planus and gastrointestinal symptoms in Razi hospital in Tehran.

Methods: This case-control study was performed on 50 patients with oral lichen planus and 50 controls by observation, clinical examination and biopsy, if necessary. Both groups were similar in sex, age, smoking, alcohol abuse and lack of systemic diseases. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia, hunger pain, heartburn, flatus, etc. Were evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software using chi–square, Exact Fisher and T-student tests.

Results: Of 50 cases (OLP), 32(64%) patients and among 50 controls, 16 (32%) patients were found to have GI symptoms. Hunger pain (18%) and heartburn (18%) were the most common symptoms. Also, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms between the two groups (P<0.005),

Conclusion: Gastrointestinal complications can be a part of mifestations of lichen planus and OLP. Knowledge of gastrointestinal symptoms in OLP patients can be helpful in preventing the G.I tract obstruction and malignancy by on time treatment.