Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and anxiolytics intake are independently associated with oral Candida infection in patients with oral lichen planus

Abstract

Many factors have been proposed to influence oral infection with yeast. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral yeasts in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients and control subjects, and to perform a multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors that influence oral Candida infection in OLP patients. In this cross-sectional study, 90 new patients with OLP and 90 sex- and age-matched control subjects with no mucosal lesions were interviewed about their health status, use of medication, and smoking and alcohol habits. Swab and unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected and salivary pH was measured. A positive Candida culture was more prevalent among OLP patients (48.9%) than among control subjects (26.7%). Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups. By logistic regression analysis, unstimulated whole salivary flow rates of 0.11-0.24 ml min(-1) (OR = 5.90) and 0.25-0.32 ml min(-1) (OR = 3.51) and benzodiazepine anxiolytics intake (OR = 8.30) were independently associated with the presence of Candida among OLP patients. Age, denture wearing, levels of dentition, decreased salivary pH, antihypertensive drugs, and alcohol consumption were not associated with oral Candida infection in OLP patients. The results indicate that data on benzodiazepine anxiolytics intake and evaluation of unstimulated whole salivary flow rate should be considered as part of the clinical evaluation to identify OLP patients at risk for Candida infection.

Xerostomia and Salivary Gland Hypofunction in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus Before and After Treatment with Topical Corticosteroids

“…Mouth dryness is one of the most common oral health conditions and has been associated with OLP [8, 10, 12-16]. It may be attributed to xerostomia, salivary gland hypofunction (SGH) or both [17].…”

“…The literature pertaining to the associations between OLP and xerostomia and/or SGH is limited [8, 10, 12-16]. Some studies have demonstrated a relationship between OLP and SGH [10, 12-16].…”

“…Some studies have demonstrated a relationship between OLP and SGH [10, 12-16]. In a cross-sectional study, Lundström, et al .…”

“…Lastly, Bokor-Bratic, et al . studied USFRs in 90 OLP subjects and 90 age and sex matched controls and concluded that the mean USFR was within normal range compared to controls [12]. …”

Oral lichen planus: a 4-year clinical follow-up study

“…In recent years, the importance of pathogenic microorganisms such as Candida albicans in patients with lichen planus has been recognized (24)(25)(26)(27). Exfoliative cytology concerning surface cells is used for identifying the presence of abnormal cells, bacteria, and fungi.…”