Effects of Cyclosporin A on gingival status following liver transplantation

Cyclosporin A, since its introduction, has drastically reduced the morbidity and mortality rates associated with organ transplants. One side-effect of CSA is gingival hyperplasia. This study investigated the effects of CSA given in conjunction with a low dose of steroids on the gingival status of pediatric patients following liver transplantation. A total of 21 such patients were compared with 23 healthy children, matched for age and sex. Data collected included CSA serum levels, gingival width, pocket depth, gingival index and modified plaque index. Using mean total values, there was a significant difference for plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth and gingival width. There was no significant correlation between CSA serum levels and any of the dental factors measured. The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant increase in all dental measurements--an increase that may be due--at least in part--to the higher plaque index in this population.