title: Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth.
abstract: Gingival overgrowth is a common adverse effect of therapy with Phenytoin, having important medical and cosmetic implications. Poor periodontal hygiene is an important risk factor for severity of Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO), which is a time-dependent process. There is complex interplay of altered fibroblast biology, connective tissue turnover, inflammatory processes, and growth factors on a background of genetic susceptibility to produce increase in various components of interstitial matrix in PIGO tissue. Treatment options have included change of PHT to another anti-seizure drug, measures to improve periodontal hygiene and gingivectomy. There is conclusive evidence that folic acid supplementation significantly decreases the incidence of PIGO.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arya
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gulati
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D010672:Phenytoin