Gingival enlargement in pediatric organ transplant recipients in relation to tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens.

PURPOSE

Tacrolimus, in contrast to cyclosporine, has not been found to be associated with gingival enlargement (GE) among adult transplant recipients. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of GE in relation to tacrolimus and cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimens among pediatric solid-organ transplant recipients, controlling for the use of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and the presence of supragingival plaque.

METHODS

A standardized questionnaire was administered and a comprehensive oral examination was performed among pediatric renal and liver transplant recipients who were at least 6 months post-transplant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GE among 133 participants was 26%, with the highest incidence among subjects receiving cyclosporine and CCB (60%) and the lowest among those receiving tacrolimus without CCB (13%). A multivariate model showed that the odds of having GE were 5 times higher among children receiving cyclosporine than in those not receiving this medication, and 4 times higher among boys than girls. Supragingival plaque and the use of CCB, however, were not found to be associated with GE.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that tacrolimus was not associated with gingival enlargement while cyclosporine remains a risk factor for the development of this condition in pediatric renal and liver transplant recipients.