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Non‐Plaque‐Induced Gingivitis Associated With Isotretinoin: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Mahajan Ajay,
Bharadwaj Ashu,
Mahajan Poonam
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical advances in periodontics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.182
H-Index - 2
eISSN - 2163-0097
pISSN - 2573-8046
DOI - 10.1902/cap.2011.110006
Subject(s) - isotretinoin , medicine , gingivitis , acne , dermatology , adverse effect , dentistry
Isotretinoin (13‐cis‐retinoic acid), a synthetic vitamin A derivative, is used to treat a wide variety of dermatologic conditions, including severe acne. Although isotretinoin has revolutionized the management of acne vulgaris, concerns continue regarding the adverse effect profile of isotretinoin. Mucocutaneous reaction is the most commonly observed adverse side effect of isotretinoin use, but the involvement of gingival mucosa has rarely been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first‐ever case report of gingivitis associated with isotretinoin. Case Presentation: A 19‐year‐old female was referred to the Department of Periodontics, Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla, India, for the treatment of persistent severe gingivitis. The history of the patient revealed that she had been on 10 mg/day isotretinoin regimen for the treatment of nodular facial acne for 6 months. In the absence of an obvious cause, the condition was diagnosed as isotretinoin‐associated gingivitis. After consultation with the dermatologist, the drug was stopped and the patient responded favorably to periodontal treatment. Conclusion: Non‐plaque‐induced, isotretinoin‐associated gingivitis should always be suspected in a patient who is taking isotretinoin and has persistent gingivitis that does not respond to periodontal treatment.