Constipation, antiepileptic drugs, and gingivitis in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Author(s)

Fernandes Maria Ferreira, Ana Cristina ^[1] ; Alves Mayer, Marcia Pinto ^[2] ; Kawamoto, Dione ^[2] ; Botti Rodrigues Santos, Maria Teresa ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Cruzeiro do Sul Univ, Rua Galvao Bueno, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Microbiol, Oral Microbiol Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry; v. 29, n. 5, p. 635-641, SEP 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) individuals present with epilepsy, which requires the use of antiepileptic drug (AED). Hypothesis Since an inflammatory response may contribute to epileptogenesis, the hypothesis tested was that constipation would be associated with gingivitis and the use of AED in children and adolescents (CA) with CP. Design A comparative study was conducted with 101 CA aged 5-17 years (10.8 +/- 4.9), classified as constipated (G1; n = 57) or not constipated (G2; n = 44). Clinical patterns, AED used, body mass index (BMI), fluid intake, toilet transfer, and gingival condition were evaluated. Student's t test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis were performed (alpha = 0.05). Results There were no differences between groups regarding gender (P = 0.531), age (P = 0.227), BMI (P = 0.437), and fluid intake (P = 0.346). G1, however, presented a higher percentage of quadriplegic individuals (P < 0.001), dependency for toilet transfer (P < 0.001), the presence of gingivitis (P = 0.020), and the use of AED polytherapy (P < 0.001) compared to G2. Constipation was associated with quadriplegic CA, using GABA as AED (P = 0.002). Conclusions Mucosal inflammation evidenced by constipation and gingivitis is associated with the most neurologically compromised CAs under the use of GABA AED. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/15160-4 - Oral and intestinal microbiome of constipated cerebral palsy individuals that are using anticonvulsants
• Grantee: Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants