Periodontal variables affecting nifedipine sequestration in gingival crevicular fluid

We previously demonstrated the sequestration of nifedipine in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), especially in patients exhibiting significant gingival overgrowth. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of site specific periodontal factors in this phenomenon. 10 adult patients exhibiting nifedipine induced gingival overgrowth were studied. In each patient GCF was harvested from two sites that demonstrated inflammation and increased probing depth as well as from two clinically healthy sites. The concentration of nifedipine was determined using gas chromatography. Drug concentrations were significantly increased in the presence of inflammation (p = 0.004) and plaque (p = 0.029) whilst increased probing depths and gingival overgrowth were not significantly related to drug sequestration. We can conclude that inflammatory changes in gingival tissues appear to be a significant determinant for the sequestration of nifedipine in the GCF.