Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Dentistry
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Sarah Glass
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if there is an increased occurrence of oral lichen planus flare-ups after COVID-19 vaccination or infection.
Methods: An 11-item questionnaire was dispersed to patients with a diagnosis of oral lichen planus. The survey contained questions regarding the patient’s history of COVID-19 vaccination and infection as it relates subjective oral lichen planus flare-ups (i.e. oral redness, oral ulcerations, and/or oral pain/discomfort).
Results: Self-reported flares were significantly associated with whether or not vaccine side effects were also reported (p-value=0.0053). For those who reported experiencing side effects (tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, nausea), 37% also reported a flare compared to just 8% of those who did not report side effects. Of the 63 patients who reported receiving a second vaccine, 13 reported experiencing a flare (21%). Again, experiencing side effects was significantly associated with reporting a flare (p-value=0.0479).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that patients who experience side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are more susceptible to a flare-up. Additionally, those that experience a flare-up after the first vaccination were significantly associated with experiencing a flare-up after the second vaccination.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
3-12-2024