Transplant Patient Dental Care — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateHuman DiseaseTransplant Patient Dental CareMFDS Part 1

A clinically stable adult who has received a heart transplant is taking ciclosporin as part of long-term immunosuppression. Which pair of oral complications should the dentist particularly anticipate?

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Correct answer: C — Opportunistic oral infection and drug-influenced gingival enlargement

Ciclosporin suppresses immune responses and therefore increases susceptibility to bacterial, fungal, viral and other opportunistic infections, including infections affecting the oral cavity. It is also a recognised cause of drug-influenced gingival enlargement, which may impede plaque control and aggravate gingival inflammation. Excessive bleeding is not an inherent consequence of transplantation or ciclosporin therapy; it would require an additional factor such as thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant use or liver dysfunction. Medication-related osteonecrosis, local anaesthetic allergy, salivary gland enlargement, an exaggerated gag reflex, root resorption and spontaneous tooth loss are not characteristic effects of this regimen. Regular oral review and effective plaque control are important.

Reference: Electronic Medicines Compendium, Capimune 100 mg soft capsules, Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 4.4 and 4.8, current 2026: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/695/smpc