Gingival enlargement in antihypertensive medication.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients taking antihypertensive agents are at increased risk for gingival enlargement and inflammation is an important cofactor for the expression of this effect.
Pradhan
S
S
Department of Dental surgery, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. shaili_p@yahoo.com
Mishra
P
P
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005885:Gingival Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009390:Nepal / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers