A Clinical Comparative Evaluation of Steroid and Tacrolimus in Oral Lichen Planus: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: There are various pharmacological approaches for Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), but mainstay of therapy always tends to be corticosteroids. Irrespective of innumerable therapies, attaining permanent cure is still far from reach. Considering the limitations of steroids, a relatively novel therapeutic option is provided by immunosuppressants like Tacrolimus. Thus, the aim of this pilot study is to clinically compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Tacrolimus over corticosteroids in OLP patients. Materials And Methods: Four cases of bilateral OLP administered with 0.1% topical Triamcinolone acetonide (S group) and four other cases administered with 0.1% topical Tacrolimus (T group) were selected and their response to the treatment based on changes in symptoms and signs were recorded on follow up visits. Both the groups were followed up for 3 months. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for recording the burning sensation and Modified Oral Mucositis Scale (MOMI) for measuring the extent of the lesion. Results: Although the post-follow up results were insignificant between 2 groups, T group had more stable reduction in symptoms without flare up with a significant reduction in post follow up VAS and MOMI score. Conclusion: Tacrolimus can be considered as an effective alternative to steroid, and a potential drug of choice for OLP.