Associations of Lichen Sclerosus With Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Previous studies reported limited findings on the association between lichen sclerosus (LS) and autoimmune diseases. To assess the associations of LS with autoimmune diseases. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched on 20 January 2026. We included case-control, cohort and cross-sectional studies that examined the associations of LS with autoimmune diseases. Four authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, with discrepancies resolved by discussion with a senior author. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted when data from ≥ three studies were available for an outcome. We included 11 observational studies. LS was associated with dermatologic autoimmune disease including morphoea (OR 33.33, 95% CI 7.07-157.07), lichen planus (OR 6.30, 95% CI 4.67-8.51), vitiligo (OR 4.28, 95% CI 2.39-7.67), alopecia areata (OR 3.89, 95% CI 2.14-7.06) and psoriasis (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.13-3.39). LS was also associated with autoimmune thyroid (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.35-2.88) and gastrointestinal diseases such as coeliac disease (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.64) and Crohn's disease (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.19-1.98). However, no significant association was found with systemic lupus erythematosus (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.85-1.95), type 1 diabetes mellitus (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.40-1.86), ulcerative colitis (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.58-1.70), rheumatoid arthritis (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.55-1.66) and pernicious anaemia (OR 2.57, 95% CI 0.22-30.28). LS is associated with cutaneous autoimmune diseases as well as autoimmune thyroid and gastrointestinal disorders. This association underscores the need for screening, multidisciplinary care and long-term monitoring to provide optimal care.