Oral Ulcers in Autoimmune Disease
Oct
18
Written by:
10/18/2011
October 18, 2011
Oral ulcerations, which are commonly known as apthous ulcers, have long been known to occur as a secondary manifestation referred to as stomatitis in conditions of lichen planus, pemphigus, Behcet's disease, gluten sensitivity enteropathy and celiac disease. Clusters of erosions or solitary oral lesions may occur and they can be difficult to diagnose as well as treat.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have recently identified a new autoimmune condition that primarily causes chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CUS). These researchers have found that this disorder is mostly seen in Caucasian women in their 40s and 50s, and it is very similar to oral erosive lichen planus, a disorder that it's often confused with.
The researchers are currently evaluating hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) therapy for this condition. To date, they've found that this drug provides relief in many but not all cases but that it's not tolerated well by some patients. Plaquenil is frequently used as a treatment for systemic lupus and other autoimmune connective tissue disorders.
Source: Solomon, Lynn. 2011. "New evidence that chronic ulcerative stomatitis is an autoimmune disease," Tufts University, Health Sciences, April 13, 2011.