Abstract
Drug-induced gingival enlargement is a well documented side effect with the use of phenytoin, cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers. The prevalence of gingival enlargement induced by calcium channel blockers is uncertain. Several studies show conflicting results ranging from 20% to 83%. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gingival enlargement in patients taking antihypertensive medication. All consecutive patients on antihypertensive agents attending the Dental OPD were studied. The prevalence of drug induced gingival enlargement was determined. The periodontal condition of all subjects were assessed including plaque index and probing depth. Total 81.2% of subjects taking antihypertensive were seen to have significant enlargement. Among them 71.1% were taking calcium channel blocker, 21.5% were taking ACE Inhibitors, and 7.4% were taking beta-blockers. Patients taking antihypertensive agents are at increased risk for gingival enlargement and inflammation is an important cofactor for the expression of this effect.
Highlights
Drug-induced gingival enlargement is a well documented side effect with the use of phenytoin, cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers
Patients taking antihypertensive agents are at increased risk for gingival enlargement and inflammation is an important cofactor for the expression of this effect
The prevalence of gingival enlargement was higher in patients taking calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (71.1%) followed by Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (21.5%) and β-blockers (7.4%)
Summary
Drug-induced gingival enlargement is a well documented side effect with the use of phenytoin, cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers. Drug induced gingival enlargement (DIGE), as a well documented side effect has been reported with systemic use of anti-convulsants, immunosuppressants and calcium channel blockers (CCBs).[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8] It was first reported in 19396 with chronic usage of phenytoin. DIGE presents with similar clinical and microscopic appearance It begins within 3 months as a firm, nodular enlargement limited to keratinized portions of interdental papilla. The present study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of DIGE in patients taking antihypertensive drugs and their relation with oral hygiene status of the patients
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