Gingival Debulking Surgery for a Child With Severe Aplastic Anemia: A Case Report

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare condition that frequently manifests with pancytopenia. Management of severe disease is through either allogenic stem cell transplantation or immunosuppressive therapy with supportive care. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a potential complication of a number of medications, including cyclosporine and amlodipine.

The following report presents the case of a male child who was diagnosed with severe AA at 7 years of age. He was managed with immunosuppressive therapy and developed DIGO as a side effect of treatment, exacerbated by poor oral hygiene. Nonsurgical and surgical management strategies were utilized. Gingival debulking surgery was completed at 9 years of age, once the patient's condition had stabilized. Postoperative care included regular dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction. The patient's medical condition remained stable, and his oral health was maintained without relapse of DIGO.

This case emphasizes the importance of coordinated care for managing DIGO in immunocompromised pediatric patients and describes the successful management of DIGO using both nonsurgical and surgical methods.