Cyclosporin- and nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth in renal transplant patients: Correlations with periodontal and pharmacological parameters, and HLA-antigens

The factors associated with cyclosporin A (CsA)- and nifedipine (Nif)-induced gingival overgrowth were investigated in 113 renal transplant recipients receiving CsA alone (Group 1) [n=61], CsA and Nif (Group 2) [n=28], or azathioprine (Aza) (Control Group) [n=24]. Periodontal and pharmacological parameters were assessed for each patient. The patients with a gingival overgrowth index (GOI) score >1 were considered responders (R); those with a score less than or equal to 1 were nonresponders (NR). Gingival overgrowth occurred in 33.7% of the patients in Groups 1 and 2; 60% of the responders were receiving CsA+Nif. In R, no relationship was found between the GOI and the periodontal and pharmacological parameters, and although there was a trend towards an increased presence of HLA-A19 antigen (chi-square=4.40; P=0.04; RR-2.86), no significant difference was found between R and NR (Pc>0.05). It is concluded that the prevalence and severity of gingival overgrowth are greater in patients receiving CsA+Nif. As overgrowth appeared to be unrelated to local irritants, gingival inflammation or pharmacological parameters, it may be related to individual susceptibility. (C) Munksgaard, 1996.