Medicina
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Meta Analysis
Evaluation of the Salivary Level of Cortisol in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Meta-Analysis.
Background and objective: Cortisol, as the main human glucocorticoid, is considered to be a biological marker of stress and anxiety. Since it is known that oral lichen planus (OLP) can appear and worsen during stressful events, cortisol levels have been previously studied in OLP patients. The present meta-analysis aims to assess the salivary concentration of cortisol in OLP patients compared to healthy controls. ⋯ In Indian-based population studies, a significant difference in the salivary cortisol levels in OLP patients compared with controls was detected (MD = 5.62 ng/mL; 95% CI: 2.67, 8.56; P = 0.0002). In addition, a significant difference in the salivary cortisol levels in the OLP patients compared with the controls was obtained in studies performed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method (MD = 5.33 ng/mL; 95% CI: 2.72, 7.93; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: We suggest that supportive psychological treatment together with the conventional therapy could increase patients' capability to prevent stress, anxiety, and depression.