title: Low molecular weight heparin; a novel alternative therapeutic approach for lichen planus.
abstract: Heparin analogues in low doses have antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose enoxaparin administered subcutaneously in lichen planus (LP). Eighteen patients with various types of LP were treated in an open study for 6-13 weeks. Efficacy and safety data were recorded. Complete remission was observed in 11 of 18 patients (61%) and marked improvement in two (11%). Widespread cutaneous involvement and reticulated oral LP had the best response, while in LP of the scalp the response was poor. Enoxaparin is a promising alternative therapy for various types of LP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Heraklion University General Hospital, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Stefanidou
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ioannidou
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Panayiotides
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Tosca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D017984:Enoxaparin; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents