A randomized triple-blind clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of topical triamcinolone acetonate (0.1%), clobetasol propionate (0.05%), and tacrolimus orabase (0.03%) in the management of oral lichen planus.
BACKGROUND
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is believed to result from an abnormal T-cell mediated immune response. The most useful agent in the treatment is corticosteroids. The present study will be aimed at evaluation of therapeutic efficiency of two corticosteroids triamcinolone acetonate (0.1%) and clobetasol propionate with tacrolimus orabase (0.03%), an immunomodulator in the management of OLP.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of topical triamcinolone acetonate (0.1%), clobetasol propionate (0.05%), and tacrolimus orabase (0.03%) in the management of OLP and also to compare which has less recurrence.


METHODS
The study comprises 30 patients, all were diagnosed with OLP clinically and histopathologically. They are randomly divided into three groups: Group A - triamcinolone acetonate (0.1%), Group B - clobetasol propionate (0.05%), and Group C - tacrolimus (0.03%). A formal informed consent was obtained from all of them who participated in the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects in the Group A (triamcinolone 0.1%) and Group B (clobetasol 0.05%) show a significant reduction in lesion size than that of Group C (tacrolimus 0.03%). Group B (clobetasol 0.05%) shows a better significant reduction in lesion size than that of Group A (triamcinolone 0.1%). The overall treatment response was significant better in the Group B (clobetasol 0.05%). No recurrence was observed in any of the three groups at the end of 3 months. It is concluded that clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment has higher efficacy when compared to triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment and tacrolimus ointment 0.03% in the management of OLP. It was also inferred that triamcinolone 0.1% has better effects than tacrolimus 0.03%.
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vivekananda Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
Shivakumar
S
Sivaraman
Department of Pedodontics, Sathyabama Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Krishnamoorthy
K
Santham
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Rajas Dental College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Aruldoss
A
Nelson
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Bijaykumar
B
Laliytha
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sri Venkateshwara Dental College, Pondicherry, India.
Pandian
P
Azhalvel
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Rajas Dental College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
John Hearty
JH
Deepak
Clobetasol propionate; oral lichen planus; tacrolimus; triamcinolone acetonate