Cyclosporine and Amlodipine Induced Severe Gingival Overgrowth - Etiopathogenesis and Management of a Case with Electrocautery and Carbon-Dioxide(CO2) Laser

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gingival overgrowth is a well recognized, unwanted side-effect associated with three major drugs/drug groups – phenytoin, cyclosporine and the calcium channel blockers. Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive compound that has been used increasingly in conjunction with kidney, heart and other transplants. Calcium channel blockers are widely used in medical practice for the management of cardiovascular disorders. Due to their wide range of use, gingival overgrowth is now a recognized side-effect associated with them. Here we discuss a case report dealing with severe gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine and amlodipine. A 36-year-old man who underwent renal transplant came with a chief complaint of generalized gingival swelling. He had very severe gingival overgrowth in both arches and required thorough scaling and oral hygiene instructions, followed by supportive periodontal therapy for 4 months, after which radical gingivectomy using electrocautery and CO2 laser was performed. The post operative results were excellent and there was no recurrence at 1 year follow-up.