Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth in an 8-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease that involves multi organs. Genetic, endocrine, immunological, and environmental factors influence the loss of immunological tolerance against self-antigens leading to the formation of pathogenic autoantibodies that cause tissue damage through multiple mechanisms. The gingival overgrowth can be caused by three factors: noninflammatory, hyperplastic reaction to the medication; chronic inflammatory hyperplasia; or a combined enlargement due to chronic inflammation and drug-induced hyperplasia. Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth is associated with the use of three major classes of drugs, namely anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants. Due to recent indications for these drugs, their use continues to grow.