Incidence of drugs in gingival enlargement and its relationship with clinical variables
Keywords:
Gingival hyperplasia, drugs, correlationAbstract
The epidemiological transition has reduced infectious diseases and increased non-communicable chronic diseases, including chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases. Among these, drug-induced gingival enlargement (DIGE) stands out as a common oral complication in patients under prolonged treatment, especially with phenytoin, nifedipine, and cyclosporine A. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of these drugs on gingival enlargement and its relationship with variables such as age and duration of medication use. A systematic literature review was conducted in databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, selecting studies based on biological mechanisms, prevalence, and clinical management of DIGE. Additionally, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed on a patient group to evaluate the relationship between age, treatment duration, and severity of enlargement (Likert scale 0-10). Results showed a strong correlation for phenytoin between age, duration, and severity (r=0.85 and 0.90); nifedipine showed a moderate correlation (r=0.60 and 0.70), while cyclosporine exhibited weak correlations (r=0.30 and 0.40). It was concluded that drug-induced gingival enlargement is multifactorial, affecting fibroblast function and oral hygiene. Due to its impact on periodontal health, a multidisciplinary approach including monitoring, oral hygiene education, and personalized therapeutic adjustments is crucial to prevent complications.
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