USE OF STEROIDS AND STEROID-SPARING TOPICAL THERAPIES IN MANAGEMENT OF IMMUNOLOGICALLY MEDIATED ORAL MUCOSAL LESIONS REPORTED IN A PRIVATE DENTAL INSTITUTION- A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steroid and steroid-sparing topical therapies in managing
immunologically mediated oral mucosal lesions in a private dental institution.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a private dental college in Chennai, analysing cases
from January 2019 to December 2023. The study included patients aged 20 to 85 years diagnosed with pemphigus,
pemphigoid, lichen planus, erythema multiforme, and recurrent aphthous ulcers. Data were extracted from the Dental
Information Archiving System (DIAS) and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Lichen planus was the most prevalent condition, accounting for 66.23% of cases, followed by aphthous ulcers
with 27.88%. Triamcinolone acetonide was the most commonly prescribed steroid (55.83%), while Tacrolimus was
the most frequently used non-steroidal agent (59.69%). Steroid-sparing therapies showed significant advantages in
reducing adverse effects compared to traditional steroids.
Conclusion: The study highlights a preference for potent steroids like Triamcinolone acetonide, while the emerging
use of steroid-sparing agents, especially Tacrolimus, suggests a shift toward safer, long-term treatments. Further
clinical trials are needed to establish optimal protocols for managing immunologically mediated oral mucosal lesions