Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Mucosal Lichen Planus

Lichen planus LP is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and mucosal membranes, with the oral mucosa being the most commonly involved site. Mucosal lichen planus MLP, particularly oral and vulvovaginal forms, often runs a relapsing course and may be associated with systemic inflammatory processes. Emerging evidence suggests a possible link between mucosal lichen planus and metabolic syndrome MS due to shared pathogenic mechanisms involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation mediated by cytokines such as TNF alpha, IL 6, and C reactive protein CRP.

Metabolic syndrome represents a global health burden characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which predispose individuals to cardiovascular morbidity and diabetes. Identifying a potential association between mucosal LP and MS could have important clinical implications, emphasizing the need for early metabolic screening and intervention in dermatological practice.

This descriptive cross sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with mucosal lichen planus and to identify local factors influencing the disease. The study will be conducted in the Department of Dermatology, St Johns Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru, over a period of about 2 years. A total of 70 participants will be included, 35 clinically or histopathologically confirmed mucosal LP cases and 35 age and sex matched healthy controls.

Participants will undergo clinical evaluation and biochemical investigations including fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, waist circumference, and blood pressure measurement. Metabolic syndrome will be diagnosed using NCEP ATP III South Asian cut off criteria. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 with appropriate statistical tests Chi square or Fishers exact test for categorical variables and t test or Mann Whitney U test for continuous variables, and a p value less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

This study seeks to contribute to existing literature by providing evidence based insights into the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities among patients with mucosal lichen planus, thereby promoting integrated dermatological and systemic care to reduce long term cardiometabolic risks.