ABSTRACT
Objective To determine the frequency of Hepatitis C [HCV] seropositivity in patients of lichen planus [LP]
Methods This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months, at Dermatology Department PNS Shifa hospital Kaitachi. Eighty-two [n=82] patients with a diagnosis of LP fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Detailed history, physical examination and biochemical measurements were recorded. Outcome variable i.e. HCV seropositivity was determined in laboratory with third generation ELISA technique. All data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0
Results The mean age of study population was 39.32+/-13.212 years. On analysis of demographics data it was observed that 25 [30.5%] were below 30 years of age and 57 [69.5%] were of age 30 years and above. 39 [47.6%] were males and 43 [52.4%] were females. On analysis of frequency of outcome variable, 15 patients [18.3%] were HCV positive out of 82 patients irrespective of gender, morphological pattern and site of disease
Conclusion HCV positivity is common in patients with lichen planus in Pakistani population. Age, gender, morphological pattern and site of involvement have no effect of HCV positivity