title: Assessing the clinical effectiveness of an algorithmic approach for mucosal lichen planus (MLP): A retrospective review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mucosal lichen planus (MLP) is a therapeutic challenge in need of a new treatment approach because of its debilitating effect on patient's quality of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to evaluate a standardized treatment plan for patients with MLP. A second objective was to describe the effect of mycophenolate mofetil in this patient population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study retrospectively analyzed 53 patients with MLP treated using a standardized algorithm. The number of MLP lesions, disease activity, and pain at the last visit were compared with baseline scores determined at the initial visit. Results were analyzed using the paired samples t test and confirmed with the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average number of lesions was reduced from 3.77 to 1.67 (P < .001). The average disease activity was reduced from 2.73 to 0.90 (P < .001). Average pain reported decreased from 2.03 to 1.03 (P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study was a retrospective analysis of a small patient population. There was no universal symptom severity scale used at the time of treatment for some patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The standardized treatment plan reduced symptoms for patients with MLP. Mycophenolate mofetil appears to be a reasonable treatment option for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Kurt A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ashack
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Laura L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Haley
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Chelsea A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Luther
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Christie A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Riemer
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Dermatology Associates of West Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Electronic address: rshack@derm-associates.com.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ashack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009173:Mycophenolic Acid
keywords: autoimmune disorder; mucosal lichen planus; mycophenolate mofetil; oral lichen planus; treatment algorithm; vaginal lichen planus