Author/Editor		Matičič, M; Poljak, M; Lunder, T; Rener-Sitar, K; Stojanovič, L
Title		Lichen planus and other cutaneous manifestations in chronic hepatitis C: pre- and post-interferon-based treatment prevalence vary in a cohort of patients from low hepatitis C virus endemic area
Type		članek
Source		JEADV, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol
Vol. and No.		Letnik 22
Publication year		2008
Volume		str. 779-88
Language		eng
Abstract		Background Several controversies exist regarding the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and some cutaneous manifestations, lichen planus (LP) in particular. Objectives To determine the prevalence of LP and other cutaneous manifestations in a cohort of patients infected with HCV from low HCV endemic area of Slovenia, to correlate findings with chosen biological variables and to assess the role of interferon (IFN)-based treatment of HCV infection in cutaneous manifestations. Methods A total of 171 consecutive HCV-seropositive patients and 171 HCV-seronegative age- and gender-matched controls were studied prospectively. Prevalence of cutaneous manifestations, comparison between study patients and controls and correlation of skin findings with demographic, biochemical, virological and liver histologic findings as well as IFN-based therapy were assessed. Results Overall presence of LP in HCV-seropositives was 2.3%; although LP was not found in controls, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.123). Significantly higher than in controls was the prevalence of pruritus (31.0%, P < 0.001), dry skin (16.4%, P < 0.001) and hair loss (9.9%, P < 0.001). In IFN-based treatment naives, skin findings were more frequent compared with controls, but not significantly, with no correlation to chosen biological variables. Current IFN-based treatment was significantly connected to pruritus (P < 0.001) and dry skin (P < 0.001). Compared with treatment naives, in post-treated patients pruritus (odds ratio, 19.13; 95% confidence interval, 6.85-53.42; P < 0.001), dry skin (odds ratio, 4.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-12.31; P < 0.001) and hair loss (P < 0.001) were significantly more common. Conclusions LP was not significantly related to HCV infection. Prevalence of pruritus, dry skin and hair loss was significantly higher in post-compared with pre-treated patients. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters)
Descriptors		HEPATITIS C LICHEN PLANUS SKIN MANIFESTATIONS INTERFERONS RNA, VIRAL HEPATITIS, CHRONIC ACTIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION COHORT STUDIES