title: Phenytoin-induced gum hypertrophy in patients with epilepsy.
abstract: One hundred and eight patients who had been taking phenytoin for a year or more, either alone or in combination with other drugs, were examined for gum hypertrophy by three observers independently. Approximately 90% of the patients showed either mild or no gum hypertrophy and severe swelling occurred in only 1%. The observed standards of oral hygiene were extremely poor. A tendency for higher serum phenytoin levels to be associated with greater gum hypertrophy was observed. Because the condition was causing no problems in over 90% of patients, it is considered that gum hypertrophy per se should not deter a physician from using phenytoin in the treatment of epilepsy.
authors: David Lewis Centre for Epilepsy, Alderly Edge, England.
authors: R H
authors: RH
authors: Grant
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Parsonage
authors: M H
authors: MH
authors: Barot
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005886:Gingival Hypertrophy / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin