[Gingival hyperplasia caused by nifedipine]

Fifty patients receiving nifedipine have been observed for the presence of gingival hyperplasia. Thirty were males and 20 females, the mean age was 57.7 ± 14.5 years. The duration of therapy with Nifedipine at the time of dermatological examination was 18.25 ± 16 months (min. 2, max. 48). Twelve out of 50 patients had some degrees of gingival hyperplasia, originating from the anterior interdental papillae and involving also the palatal and lingual portion of the gums. Histologically acanthosis, papillomatosis and connective tissue hyperplasia were evident in addition to an important inflammatory infiltrate made up of plasma cells. No positive correlation was observed between gingival hyperplasia and dosage of the drug, between diabetes or chronic renal failure and intraoral irritants such as dental protheses.