A vague but possibly helpful article:
Reduction of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) after implementation of preventive measures in patients with multiple myeloma treated with zoledronic acid
M. A. Dimopoulos1,*, E. Kastritis1, C. Bamia2, I. Melakopoulos3, D. Gika1, M. Roussou1, M. Migkou1, E. Eleftherakis-Papaiakovou1, D. Christoulas1, E. Terpos4 and A. Bamias1 1 Department of Clinical Therapeutics
2 Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Athens
3 Department of Maxillofascial Surgery, H. Dunant Hospital
4 Department of Biomedical Research, 251 General Air Force Hospital, Athens, Greece
* Correspondence to: Dr M. A. Dimopoulos, 227 Kifissias Avenue, Kifissia, Athens 145 61, Greece. Tel: +30-210-3381541; Fax: +30-210-3381511; E-mail: mdimop@med.uoa.gr
Background: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a well-described complication of bisphosphonates use in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We investigated whether the occurrence of ONJ decreased after the implementation of preventive measures in 128 patients with MM who received zoledronic acid.
Patients and methods: Patients with MM who received zoledronic acid were included in this analysis. Patients with a previous use of other bisphosphonates were excluded; patients were stratified into group A (
n = 38) and group B (
n = 90) if treatment was started before or after the implementation of preventive measures.
Results: One hundred and twenty-eight patients were included in this analysis. Sixteen patients (12.5%) developed ONJ—group A: 8 (26.3%), group B: 2 (6.7%) (
P = 0.002). The incidence rate (IR) was 0.671/100 person-months for group A and 0.230/100 person-months for group B [IR ratio 2.92,
P = 0.029, 95% confidence interval 1.06–8.03]. No patient in group B developed stage III ONJ.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the risk of developing ONJ after treatment of zoledronic acid is reduced (but not deleted) by the implementation of preventive measures.
Key words: multiple myeloma, osteonecrosis, preventive measures, zoledronic acid
Received for publication February 6, 2008. Revision received June 13, 2008. Accepted for publication July 15, 2008.