[Factors involved in gingival hyperplasia caused by diphenyl hydantoin].
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.
Mattioli
A
A
Istituto di Odonto-Gnato-Stomatologia, Università degli Studi, Firenze.
Mauro
S
S
Menetti
L
L
Orlando
S
S
D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D010672:Phenytoin