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The Effectiveness of 1% Pimecrolimus Cream in the Treatment of Oral Erosive Lichen Planus

2005; Wiley; Volume: 76; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1902/jop.2005.76.4.627

1943-3670

Julie C. Swift, Terry D. Rees, Jacqueline M. Plemons, William W. Hallmon, John C. Wright,

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, relative safety, and tolerability of 1% pimecrolimus cream in the treatment of oral erosive lichen planus (OELP). Methods: Twenty patients with OELP were randomized into equal groups; group 1 applied 1% pimecrolimus cream twice daily to their oral lesions for 4 weeks, whereas group 2 applied a placebo cream. Photographs of the lesions were taken and analyzed for areas of ulceration, erythema, and reticulation. Discomfort scores were also assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Blood samples were taken at baseline and at study completion; a complete blood count with differential and comprehensive metabolic panel was ordered. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used. Results: The experimental group showed a decrease in ulceration (α = 0.068) and erythema (α = 0.005) at the mid‐point with continued reduction of erythema at the final (α = 0.075) time measurement. The control group demonstrated an increase in reticulation at the mid‐point (α = 0.017) and final (α = 0.007) time measurement. The VAS scores for the experimental group decreased during the study (α = 0.022). Blood levels were within the normal range. Conclusions: The OELP lesion size in the 1% pimecrolimus group decreased and the pimecrolimus cream was found to significantly reduce the patient's pain scores. Further study of 1% pimecrolimus as therapy for OELP is warranted since it was shown to be effective, relatively safe, and well tolerated by patients within the limits of this short‐term study. J Periodontol 2005;76:627‐635 .