IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OFT-CELL SUBSETS 'i AFTER DIFFERENT TREATMENT MODALITIES OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM EROSIVE ORAL LICHEN PLANUS

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a lymphocyte-mediated immunologic disorder in which the basal cells appear to be the target of T­ lymphocytes. Local release of cytokines is thought to mediate retention of lymphocytes as well as death of basal keratinocYt:es. OLP is a relatively common bilateral condition thought to have multifactorial ongm.

The disease is characterized by painful oral erosiOns and ulceration. The disease follows a prolonged course extending for up to 20 years with periods of spontaneous remission and exacerbation. Although numerous treatment approaches have been attempted, their results were unfortunately disappointing. Corticosteroids seem to be the drug of choice in managing this disease due to their potent anti­ inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Corticosteroids provide the best long term symptomatic relief of the disease.