Saima Rahman, Nisar Uddin.
Frequency of Hepatitis C Seropositivity in patients having Generalized Lichen Planus.
J Saidu Med Col Jan ;8(2):110-2.

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic common inflammatory condition having characteristic 5p's i.e. polygonal pruritic purple papules and plaques. Mucocutaneous involvement is there along with hair and nails involvement. Drugs infections and genetics play its role to cause the disease. Its worldwide prevalence is 1.4% and its prevalence in India is 0.74%, while in Pakistan it is 2.2 to 14%. Though controversial but research has shown a significant positive relationship between Hepatitis C seropositivity and LP. Objectives: To measure the frequency of hepatitis C (HCV) in patients of lichen planus (LP) visiting Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals (SGTH). Material & Methods: Cross sectional observational study was performed at skin out door Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals (SGTH) Saidu Sharif Swat KPK. Total of 100 patients, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Duration of study was six months. After informed consent, history, examination and biochemical measurements recorded. Hep C as an outcome variable was measured using third generation ELISA. All data was analyzed with SPSS 24.0. Results: Of the total 100 patients 53 were male and 47 were female. 11 were seropositive for Hep C and 89 were Hep C negative. Patients of age 20 and below were 25%, and 2 of them were positive for Hep C serology. In the remaining 75% of patients having age more than 20 years, 9 patients were seropositive for Hep C. Conclusion: To detect the undiagnosed cases of hepatitis C virus all patients of LP must be screened for HCV seropositivity due to the considerable relationship between HCV and LP.

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