Pattern of Gingival Overgrowth among Patients on Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy at a Nairobi Hospital in Kenya

Abstract

The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence and severity of gingival overgrowth (GO) among patients on anti-hypertensive pharmacotherapy at a Nairobi hospital in Kenya and to evaluate the relationship between GO and associated risk factors among these patients. The study design was a cross-sectional survey using a consecutive convenient sampling method. All the patients were examined for gingival enlargement by the method described by Seymour, et al. and modified by the authors to allow for measurement in millimetres. Gingival inflammatory status and plaque scores were also evaluated. The results showed that of the 164 hypertensive patients recruited, 20.7% had gingival overgrowth. Slightly over half (56.1%) of these patients were on calcium channel blockers (CCB). Patients on CCB had a higher prevalence (31.5%) of GO compared to those on non-CCB (7%). This difference was statistically significant (Yates χ 2 = 13.39: 1 df: P = 0.000) with an odds ratio of 6.17 (95% CI 0.21-19.45). There was no statistically significant association between gender, drug dosage, plaque levels and gingivitis with GO. In conclusion, usage of CCB pharmacotherapy showed a significant association with GO.