EVALUATION OF SERUM VITAMIN D3 [1.25 (OH) 2] LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH ORAL LICHEN PLANUS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH DISEASE

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the serum levels of vitamin D3 (VD3) in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and its relationship with the severity of this pathology. <h3>Study Design</h3> This observational study was composed of patients diagnosed with OLP according to the criteria of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Clinical-demographic data of the patients were collected, and a serologic exam was requested to assess the levels of VD3, which subsequently related to clinical parameters of severity: clinical type, symptoms, and response to corticosteroid therapy. The statistical analysis was descriptive, and chi-square test was used. <h3>Results</h3> The analysis of 34 patients with OLP revealed a predominance of females (<i>n</i> = 29; 85.2%) with a mean age of 47.5 (±14.6) years. VD3 deficiency (<30 ng/mL) was detected in 24 patients (70.5%) and, when compared to the milder forms of the disease, most were of the erosive type (<i>P</i> = .02) and with a negative response to corticotherapy (<i>P</i> < .001). In patients with painful symptoms, although there was no significant difference (<i>P</i> = .2), a predominance of deficient levels of VD3 was detected (80.9%). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results of this study demonstrate that VD3 deficiency was more frequent in the most severe forms of OLP.