Use of Fusidic Acid for Desquamative Gingivitis Treatment: 1-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

This study evaluated retrospectively the effect of fusidic acid on the management of desquamative gingivitis (DG). The study population consisted of 15 patients with DG. Patients were requested to make topical application of 2% fusidic acid ointment 4 times a day for 6 weeks. Clinical assessments were recorded at baseline, at 6 weeks and 12 months after beginning the therapy. Patients' examination involved lesion size area, pain score and impact on daily activities. All patients presented lesions in maxilla; in 9 patients (60.0%) lesions were predominately at the anterior region and 6 (40.0%) at the posterior region of maxilla. Treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced the pain intensity (from 5.4±1.12 to 1.16±0.97) and its periodicity (from 53.33% with pain>3 x/week to 13.33%), and the lesion size in 72.47% (±4.12) immediately after 6 weeks of treatment. Improvements were sustained for 12 months compared to baseline (p<0.001). It also reduced the impact of disease in daily activities (eating and oral hygiene performance), and improved the emotional condition of patients, who reported better social relationships and habits. Topical application of fusidic acid may be a possible alternative local palliative therapy for desquamative gingivitis treatment.