Drug-induced gingival enlargement (DIGE), also referred to as drug-induced gingival hyperplasia (DIGH) or drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), is a side effect of many systemic medications for which the Gingervae are not the target receptor. It is normally resultant of medications including immunoregulators, calcium channel blockers and anticonvulsants. When allowed to progress assisted by routinely poor oral hygiene, DIGE can lead to pain and disfigurement, however there are great variations in its presentation and severity dependent on the case. It is suggested that enlargement is aided by genetic predispositions, tending to occur more frequently in the papillae of the anterior Gingivae in younger age groups. Class of drugs
The main classes of drugs that result in gingivlal hyperplasia are as follows. Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsant agents, such as phenytoin, are associated with common forms of gingival overgrowth. It is caused by the increase of metabolites from the break down of anticonvulsants in the body. It should also be noted that concurrent usage of different anticonvulsants in children has resulted in accumulative gingival enlargement. Immunosuppressive drugs
Immunoregulators are often prescribed to patients who have organ transplantations and/or some autoimmune diseases. Common immunosuppressive drugs linked to gingival hyperplasia are cyclosporin and tacrolimnus.The most frequently used immunosuppressive drug is cyclosporin, which is commonly prescribed after an organ transplant. Nearly 53% of patients taking cyclosporin after renal transplants presented with gingival growth. Inflammation from bacterial overgrowth in the gingiva and cyclosporins main metabolite, hydroxyciclosporin, stimulate production of collagen, while simultaneously inhibiting collagen breakdown — leading to a net increase in production of gingival tissues.
The risk is greater when the mother is small or when the infant is of large weight. Risk of injury to the lower brachial plexus results from traction on an abducted arm, as with an infant being pulled from the birth canal by an extended arm above the head or with someone catching themselves by a branch as they fall from a tree. Lower brachial plexus injuries should be distinguished from upper brachial plexus injuries, which can also result from birth trauma but give a different syndrome of weakness known as Erbs palsy. Other trauma, such as motorcycle accidents, that have similar spinal cord injuries to C8 and T1, also show the same symptoms of Klumpkes paralysis. Diagnosis
Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity testing can help to diagnose the location and severity of the lesion. Otherwise, the diagnosis is one made clinically after a thorough neurologic exam. Treatment
Treatment effectiveness varies depending on the initial severity of the injury. Physiotherapy is used to increase strength of muscle and improve muscle functions. Electrical modalities such as electric nerve stimulation can also be used.Occupational therapy to provide exercises and coping mechanisms to improve the patients ability to perform activities of daily living. Goals of therapy are to improve tactile sensation, proprioception, and range of motion.Acute treatment of a severe injury will involve repositioning and splinting or casting of the extremity. Epidemiology
Klumpke Palsy is listed as a rare disease by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).