Which immunosuppressant is known to cause gingival enlargement?

Which immunosuppressant is known to cause gingival enlargement?

• A. Cyclophosphamide
• B. Azathioprine
• C. Cyclosporine
• D. Mycophenolate mofetil

Answer: (C)

Cyclosporine is well-documented for causing gingival enlargement, making it the correct answer. This medication is often prescribed to prevent organ rejection after transplants and to manage autoimmune disorders. The gingival hyperplasia associated with cyclosporine is linked to its effects on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production within the gums, leading to an increased volume of gum tissue. Patients on this medication should be monitored for oral health issues and encouraged to maintain excellent dental hygiene. The other options do not have a well-established correlation with gingival enlargement. For instance, cyclophosphamide is primarily an anti-cancer and immunosuppressive agent, but its side effects are more related to toxicity and do not typically include gum overgrowth. Azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil are also immunosuppressive agents, but they are less frequently associated with oral side effects, such as gingival hyperplasia, compared to cyclosporine. Understanding these differences is important for managing the side effects of various immunosuppressive therapies.

Cyclosporine is well-documented for causing gingival enlargement, making it the correct answer. This medication is often prescribed to prevent organ rejection after transplants and to manage autoimmune disorders. The gingival hyperplasia associated with cyclosporine is linked to its effects on fibroblast proliferation and collagen production within the gums, leading to an increased volume of gum tissue. Patients on this medication should be monitored for oral health issues and encouraged to maintain excellent dental hygiene.

The other options do not have a well-established correlation with gingival enlargement. For instance, cyclophosphamide is primarily an anti-cancer and immunosuppressive agent, but its side effects are more related to toxicity and do not typically include gum overgrowth. Azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil are also immunosuppressive agents, but they are less frequently associated with oral side effects, such as gingival hyperplasia, compared to cyclosporine. Understanding these differences is important for managing the side effects of various immunosuppressive therapies.