Dentistry

Abstract

Gingival Overgrowth in Subjects under Immunosuppressive Regimens Based on Tacrolimus or Combination of Tacrolimus and Amlodipine

Fatima Hassan, Nada Tawfig and Bakri Gobara

Background: Tacrolimus is a new-generation immunosuppressant as successful as cyclosporine in suppressing organ transplant rejection and recent reports suggest patients taking it complain in frequently of gingival problems.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine prevalence of gingival overgrowth among renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and to compare its occurrence in patients who received only tacrolimus and those who were on tacrolimus and amlodipine. Methods: RTRs were recruited from 3 Kidney Transplant Units (Khartoum, Sudan). Participants completed a standardized questionnaire and received periodontal examination, including the vertical gingival overgrowth index (GOi) and the simplified-oral hygiene index (OHI-S)

Results: Among 308 RTRs, 29 (9.8%) presented with gingival overgrowth, with the highest prevalence among those taking tacrolimus and amlodipine while those taking tacrolimus alone did not show gingival overgrowth. Tacrolimus was not found to be associated with GE. Poor oral hygiene was significantly observed on those with gingival overgrowth and took a combination of amlodipine and tacrolimus.

Conclusions: There is a strong correlation between gingival overgrowth, and combination therapy with tacrolimus and amlodipine in transplant patients compared to those treated by tacroloimus alone. Amlodipine reduction may restrain this adverse effect.