title: [Factors involved in gingival hyperplasia caused by diphenyl hydantoin].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this clinical study is to evaluate the relationship between the degree of the phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) and factors like bacterial plaque, the "individual predisposition" to develop GO and multiple drug based therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a one year period we examined 20 epileptic patients taking phenytoin alone or in association with other drugs; they underwent initial therapy and in some cases periodontal surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The long-term control showed that a better oral hygiene and an association of drugs may reduce the gingival overgrowth but not eliminate it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A determining factor in developing GO seems to be the "individual predisposition" probably due to the presence of a fibroblast subpopulation sensitive to phenytoin.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Odonto-Gnato-Stomatologia, Università degli Studi, Firenze.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mattioli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mauro
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Menetti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Orlando
mesh_terms: D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin