HLA antigens in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
K. G. Purcell, L. V. Spencer, P. M. Simpson, S. W. Helman, J. W. Oldfather and J. F. Fowler Jr
Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville, Ky.
Several reports have found conflicting data regarding the association
between lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) and HLA types. Association
with HLA-A31 and -B40 has been noted, whereas another report found no
correlation. We are the first to specifically examine HLA types in white
patients in the United States. We have found a significant association
between LSA and HLA-A29 and -B44 individually and an even stronger
association with the combination of A29 and B44. A review of previous
LSA-HLA studies, as well as several reports of HLA typing in familial LSA,
is discussed, with consideration given to possible reasons for the
discrepancies among the various studies.