Abstract
Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) has been associated with phenytoin, cyclosporine, and calcium channel blocker therapies. This study reports the case of an 11-year-old girl who was referred for evaluation of GO, which had occurred over the last 6 months. Her medical history included a liver transplant due to biliary atresia 3 years ago, immunosuppressive therapy, and hypertension, which is why she was started on a daily intake of amlodipine. The intraoral examination showed generalized GO, and the treatment consisted of a gingivectomy. Subsequently, amlodipine was replaced with captopril and oral hygiene instructions. There was no recurrence of GO after 28 months of follow-up. Although GO may be related to the chronic use of amlodipine, such an association is uncommon in pediatrics, and the treatment consists of the replacement of medication combined with a surgical approach and plaque control.
Highlights
Liver transplantation is the current treatment for end stage chronic liver disease and acute hepatic failure, even though it is a very demanding procedure
Calcium-channel blockers, such as nifedipine and amlodipine, are usually recommended for the treatment of hypertension after liver transplantation,[5,6,7,8] since this complication represents a possible side effect associated with the immunosuppressive regimen
DISCUSSION the survival rate of pediatric patients who undergo liver transplantations has substantially increased due to the immunosuppressive therapy, these drugs always have been associated with many complications and side effects
Summary
Liver transplantation is the current treatment for end stage chronic liver disease and acute hepatic failure, even though it is a very demanding procedure. The patient reported slow and progressive growth of the gums over the last 6 months Her medical history included a liver transplant to treat biliary atresia when she was 8 years old. Since she had been using tacrolimus (0.25 mg once a week) and prednisone (10 mg daily)— to avoid organ graft rejection—and amlodipine (10 mg/day) for blood pressure control. She had been using tacrolimus (0.25 mg once a week) and prednisone (10 mg daily)— to avoid organ graft rejection—and amlodipine (10 mg/day) for blood pressure control Her dental history showed no particular treatment and she had regular visits to the dentist.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
