Clinical evaluation of serum transaminases and plasma glucose levels in patients with oral lichen planus: A hospital based study

The association of lichen planus with chronic liver disease and diabetes mellitus has been extensively studied, but the conclusions are often controversial. Aim of the study was to assess the relationship of lichen planus with liver function status and diabetes mellitus in patients from Malabar region of Kerala.

The study was performed on 50 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) as study group and 50 control group cases. Routine blood test was carried out in all the patients and analyzed for ALT(Alanine transaminase), AST(Aspartate transaminase) levels, fasting plasma glucose(FPG) and random plasma glucose levels (RPG). The values of ALT and AST levels ≥ 40 IU/l were categorized as impaired liver function. Subjects with FPG ≥ 126 mg/dl and/or RPG ≥200 mg/dl were considered as having diabetes mellitus.

FPG/RPG levels were elevated in 17 cases with OLP while only 10 control group cases had increased levels (p > 0.05). Regarding AST and ALT levels, it was elevated in 23 cases (46%) and in 10 cases (20%) of the study group and control group, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P <0.006). Out of 16 erosive forms, 11 cases showed elevated AST/ALT levels and among 34 non-erosive cases, only 12 patients showed elevated AST/ALT levels (p < 0.05).

Elevated transaminases and plasma glucose levels can be associated with oral lichen planus according to this study. However, larger sample size studies, evaluating different parameters are required to establish the hepatic changes and impaired glucose function in OLP.