Use of systemic medication in patients with oral lichen planus - a possible association with hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background: Several drugs have been regarded as a possible aetiological factor for oral lichen planus (OLP).

Objective: To investigate the medication profile of patients with OLP and its possible association with the pathogenesis of OLP.

Methods: Data from 956 patients with OLP and 1029 controls were collected using a standardized registration method. All regular medications were recorded and classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System.

Results: Patients with OLP used thyroid preparations (P < 0.001) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (P < 0.01) in higher proportions compared to controls. A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that levothyroxine was associated with OLP (multivariate OR 3.39, 95% CI: 2.09-5.46, P < 0.001), even after controlling for confounders, including age, sex, smoking, allergies and systemic diseases. No statistical significance could be found between NSAIDs and OLP using the same model.

Conclusion: In this study, the use of levothyroxine was associated with OLP, which in turn suggests a possible connection with hypothyroidism.

Keywords: comorbidity; hypothyroidism; levothyroxine; mucosal diseases; oral lichen planus.