A retrospective and comparative study of familial and non-familial bullous lichen planus

Abstract

In order to compare the clinical characteristics of familial and non-familial bullous lichen planus (BLP), the archival data of 36 BLP patients with positive family history and 21 BLP patients with negative family history diagnosed according to the clinical features and histopathology were collected in our department from 1956 to 2003. The clinical features were analyzed and compared. There were significant differences between familial and non-familial BLP in age of onset, duration of disease and extension of eruption (P<0.01). It was concluded that familial BLP appeared to differ from the non-familial form in its earlier age of onset, longer duration of the disease, more extensive eruption and more tendency to involve nails. Hereditary factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of familial BLP.

Update on lichen planus and its clinical variants

“…However, the etiology of bullae formation in bullous LP (BLP) is consistent with extensive vacuolar change of the basal cell layer (Gawkrodger et al, 1989). A familial form of BLP has been reported in the literature and seems to be associated with younger age of onset, increased severity, and lengthened duration of the disease compared to that of individuals without a similarly affected first- or second-degree relative (Huang et al, 2007). Familial forms may be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and display variable penetrance (Huang et al, 2005).…”

Familial eruptive generalized lichen planus in a pediatric patient

“…As it has been reported in adults, the classic form of LP is more commonly seen in children 2 . Familial types of this disease have been reported previously, particularly bullous forms 3 …”

“…2 Familial types of this disease have been reported previously, particularly bullous forms. 3 We present the case of an 11-year-old boy with Fitzpatrick skin type IV who came to our clinic with 3-month-old lesions consisting of highly pruritic erythematosus purplish plaques which came together on the extensor face of the upper limbs. Subsequently, these lesions spread and located on lower limbs, trunk and cheeks.…”

Chronic desquamative gingivitis in siblings: A report of two cases

“…[13] This observation was further strengthened by Huang et al .,[14] who inferred that hereditary factors play a role in the pathogenesis of familial forms of lichen planus.…”