Successful treatment of lichen planus with low-molecular-weight heparin: a case series of seven patients.
BACKGROUND
Lichen planus (LP) is characterized by features of a cell-mediated attack on the epidermis by activated T lymphocytes. CD4+ lymphocytes have been shown to produce endoglycosidase (heparanase), which allows them to penetrate into the subendothelial basal lamina. Low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) has been shown to inhibit expression of heparanase.


METHODS
Seven patients with LP were treated with enoxaparin.


RESULTS
Five experienced a marked improvement with no side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Enoxaparin may be an effective treatment for patients with lichen planus.
Pacheco
H
H
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136, USA.
Kerdel
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000099175:Heparanase
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D005966:Glucuronidase; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D000099175:Heparanase