Abstract

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF LYCOPENE VERSUS PREDNISOLONE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL LICHEN PLANUS- A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLIND CLINICAL TRIAL.

Ramayan Prasad Kushwaha*, Gajendra Prasad Rauniar and Jyotsna Rimal

ABSTRACT

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory, immunologically mediated mucocutaneous disorder. Numerous topical and systemic therapies have been used in the treatment of OLP. Most of the current available treatments are palliative rather than curative. Corticosteroids are considered as the main treatment drugs. Unfortunately, some patients may develop refractory or resistance to corticosteroids therapy. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of lycopene and prednisolone in the management of OLP. This was a double-blind randomized comparative study in which clinically and histopathologically proven symptomatic OLP patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. Lycopene group received oral lycopene 4 mg/day (n=13) and prednisolone group received oral prednisolone 40 mg/day (n=15) for eight consecutive weeks. Assessments were made at baseline and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment, based on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Piboonniyom REU (Reticular, Erythematous and Ulceration) severity score. From the results obtained, the reduction of NRS burning sensation scores was statistically significant after two weeks of treatment in both groups. REU severity scores were decreased by 74% (p=0.005) and 91% (p=0.001) in lycopene and prednisolone groups respectively. Complete remission (EI=100%) of lesion was observed in two (15.4%) patients treated with lycopene and ten (66.7%) patients treated with prednisolone. However, the overall treatment response was higher in the prednisolone group as compared to the lycopene group. In conclusions, prednisolone was found to be more effective than lycopene in the treatment of OLP.

Keywords: higher in the prednisolone group as compared to the lycopene group. In conclusions, prednisolone was found to be more effective than lycopene in the treatment of OLP.