LAUSR

OBJECTIVE The goal of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone compared to other treatments in oral lichen planus (OLP). METHODS The literature search used the following inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing dexamethasone and other treatment strategies in patients with OLP. The outcome measures included: relief of symptoms, decrement of erosive area size, and changes in quality of life. A computer and manual search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to January 31, 2021. The risk of bias was measured with the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. RESULTS Eight trials with 131 study participants and 132 controls were identified. The following interventions were compared: dexamethasone mouthwash, and 5% methylene blue mediated photodynamic therapy, low-level laser therapy, amlexanox, clobetasol mouthwash, ketoconazole with amitriptyline, and thalidomide 1% paste. The therapeutic outcomes were more advantageous for dexamethasone in comparison to photodynamic therapy (PDT) (2 RCT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Comparable effects were observed for dexamethasone, amlexanox, thalidomide and PDT (1 RCT). Clobetasol showed more effective action than dexamethasone. CONCLUSION Given the small sample sizes, heterogeneity and the few studies included, there is limited evidence to support the selection of treatment for OLP.