Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of yearly zoledronic acid: report of 2 cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Once-yearly zoledronic acid has been proven effective in the management of osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) related to its use has not been reported since its approval in 2007.

METHODS:

Two women with osteoporosis/osteopenia developed ONJ after the second infusion of yearly zoledronic acid. They had no other systemic diseases and ONJ occurred after oral surgeries, which were performed about 2 months following drug administration.

RESULTS:

In 1 case osteonecrosis of the maxilla resolved after conservative therapy and sequestrectomy. In the other case bone necrosis developed on both sides of mandible, and the symptoms/signs of ONJ were partially responsive to conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

ONJ related to yearly zoledronic acid is a severe complication that should not be ignored. To minimize the risk, we recommend preventive oral care before the start of therapy and avoiding dental invasive procedures within 3 months after drug administration.

• Authors: Jang-Jaer Lee, Shih-Jung Cheng, Yi-Ping Wang, Jiiang-Huei Jeng, Chun-Pin Chiang, Sang-Heng Kok
• Journal: Head & neck (Head Neck) Vol. 35 Issue 1 Pg. E6-10 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 1097-0347 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21523843 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Bone Density Conservation Agents
• Diphosphonates
• Imidazoles
• Zoledronic Acid

Topics

• Aged
• Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (diagnosis, drug therapy, surgery)
• Bone Density Conservation Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Diphosphonates (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Imidazoles (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Mandible (pathology, surgery)
• Maxilla (pathology, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Osteoporosis (drug therapy)
• Zoledronic Acid