Serum Vitamin D Levels In Oral Lichen Planus Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic, immune-mediated mucocutaneous disorder characterized by T-cell–mediated destruction of basal keratinocytes. Vitamin D, known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, may influence OLP pathogenesis by regulating keratinocyte proliferation and cytokine expression [1,2].

Aim: To evaluate serum vitamin D levels in patients with oral lichen planus compared to healthy controls, and to assess correlation with clinical severity and disease duration.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 78 clinically and histologically confirmed OLP patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALK), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v17.0.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency was found in 64.1% of OLP patients and 56.4% of controls (P = 0.37). Severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was significantly higher among OLP patients (28.2%) compared to controls (12.8%) (P = 0.018). Other biochemical parameters showed no significant intergroup differences.

Conclusion: A significant association was observed between OLP and severe vitamin D deficiency. Routine vitamin D screening and supplementation should be considered in clinical practice.