Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with multiple myeloma.
OBJECTIVE
To review the main clinical-radiographic, therapeutic, and preventive aspects of osteonecrosis related to intravenous bisphosphonate therapy in patients with multiple myeloma.


METHODS
Between 2005 and 2006, we studied four patients with previous diagnosis of multiple myeloma treated with intravenous zoledronic acid, presenting nonhealing extraction sockets and intraoral exposed bone. We assessed the location of lesions, the relation with previous history of dento-alveolar surgery procedures, the clinical features, the treatments carried out, and the outcomes achieved.


RESULTS
All the patients were treated with chlorhexidine mouthwashes and oral amoxycillin-clavulanic acid for long periods of time. Two patients did not respond to the conservative management and needed surgical bone debridement.


CONCLUSIONS
Dental extractions seem to contribute the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with multiple myeloma treated with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. Whereas the pathologic mechanisms are not known, these patients should undergo frequent check-ups before, during, and after bisphosphonate therapy. The management must be symptomatic and palliative, including systemic antibiotics, control of pain, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes during long periods of time.
Infante Cossío
Pedro
P
Facultad de Odontología, Facultativo Especialista del Servicio de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain. pinfante@us.es
Cabezas Macián
Antonio
A
Pérez Ceballos
José Luis
JL
Palomino Nicas
Julián
J
Gutiérrez Pérez
José Luis
JL
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014945:Wound Healing; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid