[Factors involved in gingival hyperplasia caused by diphenyl hydantoin]

The objective of this clinical study is to evaluate the relationship between the degree of the phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) and factors like bacterial plaque, the "individual predisposition" to develop GO and multiple drug based therapy.

During a one year period we examined 20 epileptic patients taking phenytoin alone or in association with other drugs; they underwent initial therapy and in some cases periodontal surgery.

The long-term control showed that a better oral hygiene and an association of drugs may reduce the gingival overgrowth but not eliminate it.

A determining factor in developing GO seems to be the "individual predisposition" probably due to the presence of a fibroblast subpopulation sensitive to phenytoin.