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.