Hereditary gingival fibromatosis in children: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Objectives Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is an uncommon, inherited condition with slow and progressive fibrous hyperplasia of the gingiva. Due to its association with mastication, speech, and occlusion problems, early diagnosis is important. We sought to summarize the available data regarding the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of children with HGF (< 18 years). Methods A systematic literature review of the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases was conducted with respect to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (end-of-search date: March 1, 2019). Results A total of 99 articles reporting on 146 patients were included. The mean age was 10.82 ± 3.93 years, and generalized gingival enlargement was seen in 97.16% (95% CI 92.69 to 99.14). Jaw, gingival, and teeth abnormalities; poor oral hygiene; eating; or speech difficulties were typical HGF-induced, while 60.90% had extraoral manifestations (95% CI 52.41 to 68.78). The disease was most commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner (88.41%, 95% CI 78.5 to 94.26), and about one-third of the patients had syndromic HGF (33.85%, 95% CI 23.50 to 46.00). Gingivectomy was performed in the majority of cases (91.15%, 95% CI 84.31 to 95.29), and recurrence was seen in 33.85% (95% CI 23.50 to 46.00). Conclusion HGF should be suspected in children with nodularity and gingival fibrosis, teeth abnormalities, or jaw distortion. Family history can help to establish the diagnosis. Clinical relevance More cases should focus on longer-term follow-up after gingivectomy as disease recurrence is not uncommon.