Comorbidities in Patients with Lichen Planopilaris: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a lymphocyte-mediated type of scarring alopecia and considered to have autoimmune etiology. Studies about systemic comorbid conditions are limited. Our goal is to identify the prevalence of medical comorbidities in patients with LPP. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a retrospective case-control study, the medical records of 208 LPP patients and 208 controls were reviewed for existing comorbidities such as thyroid diseases, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and lupus erythematous. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Hyperlipidemia was found in 41.8% of all patients with LPP and in 17.3% of controls (<i>p</i> value &#x3c;0.001, OR = 4.167). Chances of hypertension and cardiovascular disorders were lower in the LPP group in comparison to controls (<i>p</i> value = 0.009). Thyroid disorders were more prevalent in LPP patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (<i>p</i> value = 0.277). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our study further emphasizes that LPP patients should be screened for medical comorbidities, especially lipid profile abnormalities.