Phenobarbital-induced Gingival Hyperplasia

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this article is to present a case of a phenobarbital-induced gingival hyperplasia (GH), discuss possible etiological mechanisms of drug-induced GH, and to present a concise review of the literature. Background GH is a well-known complication associated with anticonvulsant phenytoin, antihypertensive calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressant cyclosporine therapy. Sodium valproate and primidone has very rarely been found to cause GH. Report An extremely rare case of phenobarbital-induced GH in a 28-year-old male patient who had received this drug for three years is presented. The histological examination of the lesion revealed a hyperplastic epithelium, epithelial acanthosis, and elongated rete ridges as well as obviously enhanced dense collagenous fibers and proliferation of fibroblasts. Summary Phenobarbital-induced GH is a rare clinical entity which necessitates meticulous evaluation. However, it seems to show a benign behavior with reference to recurrence after surgical excision. Citation Lafzi A, Farahani RMZ, Shoja MAM. Phenobarbital-induced Gingival Hyperplasia. J Contemp Dent Pract 2007 September; (8)6:050-056.