Evaluation of Salivary C-Reactive Protein and Psychological Factors in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Aetiology and pathogenesis of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) has been focus of research since a long time and various aetiological factors like autoimmunity, heredity, drugs, dental materials, psychological factors, especially stress and anxiety have been reported to be associated with this disease. Few studies in past have found significant elevations in C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in individuals who reported to be having chronic stress. Both altered salivary CRP levels and psychological stress have been reported in OLP patients. To the best of our knowledge no such studies have been conducted in past, so a need was felt to conduct a study to evaluate and also correlate salivary CRP and psychological factors in OLP patients. Aim: To evaluate salivary CRP and psychological factors and assess only possible correlation between them in patients with OLP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included of two groups: Group A- consisting of 33 individuals clinically diagnosed with OLP and Group B- consisting of 33, age and gender matched healthy individuals. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used for all the participants to evaluate the psychological factors. Salivary CRP levels were evaluated using Mispa i2 Nephelometry. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Mean salivary CRP value among cases was 3.42±2.786 and among controls was 2.84±.848. Mean HADS score among cases was 6.60±2.796 and among controls was 2.70±.948. Mean Salivary CRP and HADS values were higher in OLP patients compared to controls. However, no statistical significant association could be established between CRP and HADS in patients with OLP (p=0.200). Conclusion: No correlation between psychological status and CRP levels could be established in patients with OLP. CRP couldbe used as a diagnostic marker in oral premalignantlesions.