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Gingival hyperplasia caused by nifedipine. Histopathologic findings
S Barak1, I S Engelberg, J Hiss
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Journal of Periodontology
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Nifedipine, a common cardiac medication, can cause gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of gum tissue, in patients. This condition may be linked to alterations in calcium metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oral Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gingival hyperplasia is a known side effect of certain medications.
- Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker frequently prescribed for cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of gingival hyperplasia in patients treated with nifedipine.
- To explore the potential link between nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia and calcium metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 34 cardiac patients treated with nifedipine for over 1 year.
- Clinical and histopathologic evaluation of gingival overgrowth.
Main Results:
- Thirty-four patients developed gingival epithelial hyperplasia, ranging from slight to severe.
- Five patients exhibited nodular gingival overgrowth.
- The observed hyperplasia shares similarities with phenytoin-induced gingival hyperplasia.
Conclusions:
- Nifedipine can induce gingival hyperplasia in cardiac patients.
- The condition appears related to altered calcium metabolism, similar to other drug-induced hyperplasias.