Microsomal enzyme induction and gingival enlargement in subjects taking phenytoin.

Subjects taking the anticonvulsant phenytoin were examined for gingival enlargement and skin-fold thickness. Induced synthesis of their hepatic microsomal enzymes was estimated by measuring urinary D-glucaric acid. Gingival enlargement was positively correlated (p less than 0.05) with urinary D-glucaric acid. Although skin-fold thickness was not correlated with either urinary D-glucaric acid or gingival enlargement, mean gingival enlargement was greater in some subjects who did have an increased skin thickness than in those with normal skin thickness. The results suggest that induction of microsomal enzyme synthesis, as estimated by urinary D-glucaric acid, is related to taking phenytoin, as is gingival enlargement, and that there are other factors that affect both phenomena.