# Sodium Valproate-Induced Gingival Enlargement in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report With Surgical Intervention

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of gum overgrowth in a child caused by long-term use of sodium valproate, an anti-epileptic drug.

## Contribution

The paper presents one of the first surgically managed cases of sodium valproate-induced gingival enlargement in a pediatric patient.

## Key findings

- Gingival enlargement occurred in a pediatric patient due to chronic sodium valproate use.
- Surgical intervention was used to manage the generalized gum overgrowth.
- Such cases are rare compared to those involving other anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin.

## Abstract

Gingival enlargement occurs secondary to the usage of anti-epileptics. The severity of overgrowth varies among different classes of drugs, with phenytoin having the highest incidence of reported cases, whereas cases associated with sodium valproate are minimal. Factors like drug dose, genetic factors, plaque, gingival inflammation, and periodontal health influence the degree of overgrowth. This case report presents one of the first surgically managed cases of generalized gingival enlargement in a pediatric patient due to chronic usage of sodium valproate.