PERIODONTAL MANIFESTATIONS IN THE DRUG THERAPY OF EPILEPTIC SYNDROMES

Abstract

The anti-convulsivant drug therapy represents a risk factor for the periodontal impairments in patients with epileptic syndromes. Aim of the study We proposed an evaluation of the periodontal changes in epileptic patients, correlated to the systemic alterations induced by the disease and to the drug intake. Material and methods We examined the periodontal status on a number of 58 patients with epilepsy; the data regarding the seizure type, drug therapy and periodontal changes were registered and statistically analyzed. Results A high percentage of patients followed mono-therapy; from these patients, 69.04% presented periodontal changes. Phenytoin determined the most frequent and severe forms of gingival overgrowth. Discussions We observed a high percentage of periodontal lesions, determined by a complex mixture of risk factors (local risk factors, associated to the anti-epileptic systemic medication). The periodontal impairment was directly proportional to the disease and drug history (as period of time). Conclusions The anti-epileptic drug regime determines significant changes in the periodontal tissues. The anti-epileptic drugs are an important systemic risk factor but, still, the bacterial plaque quantity and quality remains the main determinant factor for the various forms of periodontal disease.

Keywords

• epilepsy
• anti-epileptic therapy
• gingival overgrowth
• risk factors