Hyperbaric Oxygen and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): An Integrative Review

ABSTRACT: Some adjuvant treatments are available for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) to help the pain and improve quality of life. Among these treatments is hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) which has presented controversial findings in the literature in recent years. This integrative review analyzed the results among studies published during the pas t 10 years using HBO. The PICO strategy was used and the databases PubMed, LILACS, and SCOPUS. The final search resulted in the inclusion of 7 articles. The main conclusion is that, in the majority of cases, using HBO as an adjuvant to the basic therapy improved the quality of life and/or pain of the patients.

RESUMEN: Existen algunos tratamientos adyuvantes para la osteonecrosis de la mandíbula relacionada con medicamentos (MRONJ) para aliviar el dolor y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Entre estos tratamientos se encuentra el oxígeno hiperbárico (OHB) que ha presentado resultados controvertidos en la literatura durante los últimos años. En esta revisión integrada se analizaron los resultados de los estudios publicados durante los últimos 10 años utilizando OHB. Se utilizó la estrategia PICO y las bases de datos PubMed, LILACS y SCOPUS. La búsqueda final resultó en la inclusión de 7 artículos. La principal conclusión es que, en la mayoría de los casos, el uso de OHB como adyuvante de la terapia básica mejoró la calidad de vida y / o el dolor de los pacientes.

Caracterización clínico-terapéutica de pacientes diagnosticados con Osteonecrosis en los maxilares relacionada con medicación / Clinical and therapeutic characterization of patients diagnosed with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Introducción: La osteonecrosis en los maxilares por medicación es una afección asociada al tratamiento con bifosfonatos, antireabsortivos y antiangiogénicos. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y terapéuticamente los pacientes diagnosticados de Osteonecrosis en los Maxilares relacionada con medicación. Material y Método: Se realizó una serie de casos de 19 pacientes, la totalidad de los diagnosticados con la entidad en el Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial. Facultad de Estomatología Raúl González Sánchez, enero 2018-enero 2019. Se identificó severidad, factores de riesgo y se estandarizó tratamiento que incluyó la curación con aceite ozonizado y la aplicación de láser infrarrojo. Se evaluó el tratamiento a los 90 días. Se operacionalizaron las variables: sexo, tipo de medicación, vía y tiempo de administración, localización y evaluación al tratamiento. Resultados: La edad promedio de los pacientes fue 69±8,5 años, un 52,63 por ciento fueron masculinos, el zolendronato fue el agente mas asociado en el 78,95 por ciento de los casos, la enfermedad periodontal fue el factor local preponderante (57,89 por ciento), la localización mandibular postero lateral y el estadio evolutivo 2 predominaron en el 63,16 por ciento y 52,63 por ciento de las lesiones. El 78,94 por ciento de los casos presentó evolución satisfactoria a los 90 días. Conclusiones: La medicación con bifosfosfonatos parenterales predominantemente con el zolendronato, fue la causa principal de las osteonecrosis, las cuales prevalecieron en el sector postero lateral de mandíbula y con el estadio 2. La variante de tratamiento de curación con aceite ozonizado e irradiación con láser fue la más implementada. Los valores de lesiones resueltas y mejoradas a los 90 días fueron satisfactorios(AU)

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is an affection associated with the treatment with bisphosphonates, antiresorptive agents or antiangiogenic medications. Objective: To perform a clinical and therapeutic characterization of patients with the diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Material and Method: A case series of a total of 19 patients with the diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws was carried out in the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery of ¨Raúl González Sánchez¨ Dental School of Havana from January 2018 to January 2019. The severity and risk factors were identified and the treatment including the healing with ozone oil and the application of infrared laser was standardized. The patients were evaluated in the 90 days after treatment. The operationalization of variables included: sex, type of medications, ways and time of administration, localization, and evaluation of treatment. Results: The average age of patients was 69±8,5 years and 52,63 percent of them were male. Zolendronate was the most associated agent in 78,95 percent of cases. Periodontal disease was the most identified local factor (57, 89 percent). The posterolateral area of the mandible and stage 2 disease evolution predominated in 63,16 percent and 52, 63 percent of lesions, respectively. Also 78, 94 percent of cases had a satisfactory evolution in the 90 days after treatment. Conclusions: The administration of intravenous bisphosphonates, particularly Zolendronate, was the main cause of osteonecrosis. These lesions were mainly located in the posterior lateral area of the mandible and presented stage 2 disease evolution. Healing with ozone oil and application of infrared laser was the most implemented alternative treatment. The values of resolved and improved lesions were satisfactory in the 90 days after treatment(AU)

Tratamiento conservador de osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a medicamentos refractaria mediante el uso de protocolo PENTO: reporte de un caso / Tratamento conservador da osteonecrose maxilar associada a medicamentos refratários usando o protocolo PENTO: relato de um caso / Conservative treatment of refractory medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using the PENTO protocol: A case report

Resumen Paciente de 78 años consulta por sangrado sin resolución, a nivel del reborde alveolar maxilar izquierdo. Con antecedentes de metástasis óseas tratadas con ácido zoledrónico endovenoso discontinuado por alta médica y tratamiento quirúrgico previo de osteonecrosis maxilar en sitio afectado. Se observó disrupción de continuidad con inflamación a nivel del reborde óseo, con salida de contenido hemático, purulento y necrótico. Radiográficamente se observó radiolucidez difusa y osteolítica del área afectada y tejido necrótico a nivel microscópico. Se realizó aseo del área afectada, enjuagues de clorhexidina 0,12%, administración de amoxicilina/acido clavulánico y de pentoxifilina 400 mg cada 12 horas y tocoferol 1000 UI cada 24 horas. Se evaluó al mes, donde se discontinua antibioterapia y se mantiene régimen establecido con controles cada 2 semanas. A los 6 meses se evidencia resolución completa, con cicatrización de la mucosa y del tejido óseo sin recidiva.

Resumo Paciente de 78 anos consultado por sangramento sem resolução, ao nível do rebordo alveolar superior esquerdo. Com história de metástases ósseas tratadas com ácido zoledrônico endovenoso descontinuado por alta médica e tratamento cirúrgico prévio de osteonecrose maxilar no local afetado. Foi observada interrupção da continuidade com inflamação ao nível da crista óssea, com extravasamento de sangue, conteúdo purulento e necrótico. Radiograficamente, radioluscência difusa e osteolítica da área afetada e tecido necrótico foram observadas ao nível microscópico. A área afetada foi limpa, enxágue com clorexidina 0,12%, amoxicilina / ácido clavulânico e 400 mg de pentoxifilina a cada 12 horas e 1000 UI de tocoferol a cada 24 horas. Foi avaliado em um mês, quando a antibioticoterapia é descontinuada e um regime estabelecido é mantido com controles a cada 2 semanas. Aos 6 meses, é evidenciada resolução completa, com cicatrização da mucosa e do tecido ósseo sem recorrência.

Abstract A 78-year-old patient seeks care for unresolved bleeding on the left maxillary alveolar ridge. He had a history of bone metastasis treated with IV zoledronic acid, which was discontinued after medical discharge and previous surgical treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaws in the affected site. Continuity disruption with inflammation at the bone ridge was observed, with blood, purulent, and necrotic exudate. The radiograph showed diffuse and osteolytic radiolucency of the affected area, and necrotic tissue was detected at a microscopic level. The affected area was rinsed with 0.12% chlorhexidine, 400 mg amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and pentoxifylline was administered every 12 hours, and tocopherol 1000 IU every 24 hours. The area was evaluated after a month. Antibiotic therapy was discontinued, and the patient continued to be monitored every two weeks. At six months, there is complete resolution, and mucosal and bone tissue healed without recurrence.

Mechanism, prevention, and treatment for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws / 华西口腔医学杂志

The morbidity rate of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) increased rapidly in recent years. Thusfar, the mechanism of MRONJ has no consensus. The possible mechanisms may include bone remodeling inhibition theory, angiogenesis inhibition theory, oral microorganism infection theory, immunosuppression theory, cytotoxicity-targeted oral epithelial cells, microcrack formation of maxillary or mandibular bone, and single nucleotide polymorphism. However, the efficacy of prevention and treatment based on a single mechanism is not ideal. Routine oral examination before MRONJ-related drug treatment, treatment of related dental diseases, and regular oral follow-up during drug treatment are of great significance for the prevention of MRONJ. During the treatment of MRONJ, the stage of MRONJ must be determined accurately, treatment must be standardized in accordance with the guidelines, and personalized adjustments must be made considering the specific conditions of patients. This review aimed to combine the latest research and guidelines for MRONJ and the experiences on the treatment of MRONJ in the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, and discuss the strategies to improve the clinical process.

Prevention and treatment of oral adverse effects of antiresorptive medications for osteoporosis - A position paper of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (Sobep), and Brazilian Association for Bone Evaluation and Osteometabolism (Abrasso)

ABSTRACT Antiresorptive therapy is the main form of prevention of osteoporotic or fragility fractures. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively rare but severe adverse reaction to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. Physicians and dentists caring for patients taking these drugs and requiring invasive procedures face a difficult decision because of the potential risk of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to discuss the risk factors for the development of MRONJ and prevention of this complication in patients with osteoporosis taking antiresorptive drugs and requiring invasive dental treatment. For this goal, a task force with representatives from three professional associations was appointed to review the pertinent literature and discuss systemic and local risk factors, prevention of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, and management of established MRONJ. Although scarce evidence links the use of antiresorptive agents in the context of osteoporosis to the development of MRONJ, these agents are considered a risk factor for this complication. Despite the rare reports of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, the severity of symptoms and impact of MRONJ in the patients' quality of life make it imperative for health care professionals to consider this complication when planning invasive dental procedures.

Fundamentos de elección terapéutica: osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a drogas antirresortivas (MRONJ) / Fundamentals of therapeutic choice: anti-resorptive drug-related maxillary osteonecrosis (MRONJ)

La acción terapéutica favorable que los antirresortivos (bifosfonatos BPs, denosumab DS) y drogas antiangiogénicas ocasionan en el tejido óseo en aquellos pacientes que presentan como causa etiológica cáncer o discrasias óseas incluyen hipercalcemias malignas o ­si requieren el consumo de dicha droga a baja concentración­ como ser: osteoporosis, osteopenia, enfermedad de Paget, displasia fibrosa, Osteogénesis Imperfecta. (1) La presente actualización pretende relacionar el tratamiento odontológico con prescripción crónica y drogas antirresortivas, para lo cual American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons AAOMS: define el concepto de Osteonecrosis Maxilar Asociada a drogas Antirresortivas (MRONJ) como: «Área ósea necrótica expuesta al medio bucal con más de ocho semanas de permanencia, en presencia de tratamiento crónico con bifosfonatos en ausencia de radioterapia en cabeza y cuello¼. La AAOMS estableció los siguientes grupos de acuerdo con sus características clínicas en 4 estadios (0, 1 ,2 y 3) de acuerdo con el aspecto clínico y radiológico de la lesión osteonecrótica. Estadío 0: lesión osteonecrótica sin evidencia de hueso necrótico en pacientes bajo consumo de drogas antirresortivas. Estadío 1: lesión osteonecrótica con signos clínicos y ausencia de sintomatología clínica. Estadío 2: lesión osteonecrótica con signo y sintomatología clínica evidente. Estadío 3: lesión osteonecrótica con signo y sintomatología evidente que compromete a estructuras nobles: fracturas patológicas, anestesia del nervio dentario inferior, comunicación buco-nasal, comunicación buco-sinusal, fístulas cutáneas (2) (AU)

It is known the favourable action which antiresorptive (Bisphosphonates BPs, Denosumab: DS) and Antiangiogenic drugs produce in bone tissue. High concentrations are primarily used as an effective treatment in the management of cancer-related disorders, including hypercalcemia of malignant. Besides, low concentrations are used for other metabolic bone diseases including Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Paget's Disease, Fibrous Dysplasia, Imperfect Osteogenesis. (1) The update relate relationship between dentistry and chronic treatment with antiresorptive drugs. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), MRONJ is defined as exposed or necrotic bone in the maxillofacial region that has persisted for more than 8 weeks in association with current or previous BPs or DS therapy and with a lack of head and neck radiotherapy. AAOMS divided the MRONJ into 4 stages (0,1, 2 and 3) according to the clinical and radiological aspect of the osteonecrotic lesion: Stage 0: osteonecrotic lesion without sign-pathognomonic evidence of osteonecrosis. Stage 1: osteonecrotic lesion with clinical signs and absence of clinical symptoms. Stage 2: osteonecrotic lesion with sign and evident clinical symptoms. Stage 3: osteonecrotic lesion with signs and evident symptoms that involve noble structures: pathological fractures, anaesthesia of the lower dental nerve, oral-nasal communication, oral-sinus communication, skin fistulas (2) (AU)

Clinical profile of individuals with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: an integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is still the most prevalent type of osteonecrosis with clinical relevance. In Brazil, bisphosphonate use is high but there is a lack of epidemiological studies on BRONJ. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical profile of BRONJ in a Brazilian population through an integrative review. DESIGN AND SETTING: Integrative review of BRONJ in a Brazilian population. METHODS: Cases and clinical research on Brazilians with BRONJ between 2010 and 2019, indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS were reviewed. Age, sex, type and time of bisphosphonate intake, administration route, related diseases, region of the BRONJ, diagnostic criteria, staging, triggering factor and type of treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen articles on 128 subjects were included. Most patients were women (82.03%); the mean age was 63 years. Intravenous zoledronic acid was mostly used (62.50%), for breast cancer treatment (46.87%). The main localization of BRONJ was the mandible (54.68%), associated mainly with tooth extractions (45.98%). The diagnostic criteria were clinical (100%) and radiographic (89.06%), mostly in stage II (68.08%). The surgical treatments were sequestrectomy (37.50%) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (36.71%). Microbial control was done using chlorhexidine (93.75%) and infection control using clindamycin (53.90%). CONCLUSIONS: BRONJ had higher prevalence in Brazilian women receiving treatment for breast cancer and osteoporosis. The mandible was the region most affected with a moderate stage of BRONJ, particularly when there were histories of tooth extraction and peri-implant surgery. Sequestrectomy with additional drugs and surgical therapy was the treatment most accomplished.

The effect of bisphosphonate discontinuation on the incidence of postoperative medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction

OBJECTIVES: The discontinuation of bisphosphonate (BP) treatment before tooth extraction may induce medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Whether the long-term discontinuation of BP treatment before tooth extraction affects the risk of developing MRONJ after tooth extraction or whether extended drug holidays induce systemic side effects remains unclear. The present study assessed the incidence of MRONJ among patients who underwent tooth extraction and did not discontinue BP therapy prior to the procedure.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were classified according to whether or not they discontinued BP therapy before tooth extraction. Differences in the incidence of MRONJ after tooth extraction were compared between the two groups using the chi-squared test.RESULTS: The BP-continuation (BPC) and BP-discontinuation (BPDC) groups included 179 and 286 patients, respectively. One patient in the BPC group and no patients in the BPDC group developed MRONJ (P=0.385). The patients in the BPDC group stopped receiving BP therapy at a mean of 39.0±35.5 months prior to tooth extraction.CONCLUSION: The possibility of pre-existing MRONJ in the extraction area must be considered during the extraction procedure. Routine discontinuation of BP medications for several months before the extraction procedure should be carefully considered, as evidence of its efficacy in reducing the development of post-extraction MRONJ is limited.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in malignant tumor patients with bone metastases: clinical analysis of six cases / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective@#To analyze the clinical manifestation, imaging characteristics and prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after intravenous bisphosphonate (BP) for cancer patients with bone metastases.@*Methods@#The clinical data and radiographic findings of 6 primary breast cancer patients with bone metastases diagnosed as MRONJ from January 2014 to April 2018 in Shanxi Dayi Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.@*Results@#All 6 patients were female, with the median age of 65.5 years old. All patients had no history of systemic application of hormone therapy, no history of diabetes, no history of radiation therapy, no history of metastasis of the jaw, and no history of infection. The average usage time of BP was 28 months. MRONJ occurred in 2 cases on maxilla and 4 cases on mandible. There were 2 patients with tooth extractions history in BP treatment. Clinical symptoms included maxillofacial pain, loosened teeth, fistula suppuration, and exposed sequestrum. Radiographic findings included osteolysis and bone sclerosis or the mixed manifestation of both, with or without periosteal reaction. In addition, nonhealing tooth sockets and sequestrum separation imaging were also included.@*Conclusions@#Tooth extraction is considered as an increased risk for MRONJ in patients with malignant bone metastases after BP therapy. MRONJ is more likely to appear in the mandible, but it can also appear in the maxilla. Early screening and initiation of appropriate dental care are necessary for the patients before using BP therapy.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in malignant tumor patients with bone metastases:clinical analysis of six cases / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To analyze the clinical manifestation, imaging characteristics and prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after intravenous bisphosphonate (BP) for cancer patients with bone metastases. Methods The clinical data and radiographic findings of 6 primary breast cancer patients with bone metastases diagnosed as MRONJ from January 2014 to April 2018 in Shanxi Dayi Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results All 6 patients were female, with the median age of 65.5 years old. All patients had no history of systemic application of hormone therapy, no history of diabetes, no history of radiation therapy, no history of metastasis of the jaw, and no history of infection. The average usage time of BP was 28 months. MRONJ occurred in 2 cases on maxilla and 4 cases on mandible. There were 2 patients with tooth extractions history in BP treatment. Clinical symptoms included maxillofacial pain, loosened teeth, fistula suppuration, and exposed sequestrum. Radiographic findings included osteolysis and bone sclerosis or the mixed manifestation of both, with or without periosteal reaction. In addition, nonhealing tooth sockets and sequestrum separation imaging were also included. Conclusions Tooth extraction is considered as an increased risk for MRONJ in patients with malignant bone metastases after BP therapy. MRONJ is more likely to appear in the mandible, but it can also appear in the maxilla. Early screening and initiation of appropriate dental care are necessary for the patients before using BP therapy.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide, as a Novel Approach for the Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Preliminary Observational Study

PURPOSE: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), consisting of a mixture of deoxyribonucleotide polymers, has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects and enhance angiogenesis as an adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist. The aim of this study was to report the effectiveness of PDRN as an adjuvant therapy after surgical debridement in MRONJ (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients (1 male, 4 females, age 65~79 years) who were diagnosed with MRONJ stage 2 or 3 underwent surgical debridement and PDRN mucosal injection. After surgical debridement, patients were subject to daily injection with 1 ml of PDRN around the surgical wound for 14 days. RESULT: The patients' symptoms gradually disappeared. The surgical wound uneventfully healed, and no recurrence was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Although further studies are required, the present study first describes the possibility of PDRN as a useful option for MRONJ treatment.

Evaluation of mandibular cortical bone ratio on computed tomography images in patients taking bisphosphonates / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate (BP) has the ability to thicken the cortical bone. In addition, it has been reported that the cortical bone thickened by BP has relation to the medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Therefore, the objective of this article is to analyze the ratio as well as thickness of cortical bone in the mandible using computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate it as the predictive factor of MRONJ. METHODS: The thickness of the cortical bone was measured on a paraxial view of the CT showing the mental foramen in 95 patients: 33 patients with MRONJ (3 males, 30 females), 30 patients taking BP without MRONJ (2 males, 28 females), and 32 controls (9 males, 28 females). Also, the ratios of the cortical bone to the total bone were obtained using the measured values. Based on these results, we compared the difference of mandibular cortical bone ratio between the three groups. RESULTS: The average cortical bone thickness was measured as 3.81 mm in patients with MRONJ, 3.39 mm in patients taking BP without MRONJ, and 3.23 mm in controls. There was only a significant difference between patients with MRONJ and controls (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the average mandibular cortical bone ratio was measured as 37.9% in patients with MRONJ, 27.9% in patients taking BP without MRONJ, and 23.3% in controls. There was a significant difference between all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mandibular cortical bone ratio is large in order of patients with MRONJ, patients taking BP without MRONJ, and controls. This result suggests that the mandibular cortical bone ratio would be very useful to predict the development of MRONJ.

Sinusitis maxilar por osteonecrosis asociada a bisfosfonatos en pacientes con cáncer de mama: serie de casos / Maxillary sinusitis associated to bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis in patients with breast cancer: case series

Los bisfosfonatos (BF) son fármacos ampliamente utilizados como estabilizadores óseos en el tratamiento de metástasis óseas, osteoporosis, enfermedad de Paget, entre otras patologías, debido a sus efectos anti-tumorales y a la característica de inhibir la actividad osteoclástica. La osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a BF, hoy en día osteonecrosis maxilar asociada a fármacos (ONMF) es definida como la presencia de hueso expuesto, no-vascularizado y necrótico en la cavidad oral por un periodo mayor a ocho semanas, con una historia positiva de tratamiento con fármacos anti-reabsorción ósea (BP, inhibidores del ligando RANKL) y/o anti-angiogénicos y sin antecedentes de tratamiento con radiación o metástasis obvia en los maxilares. La frecuencia de ONMF es incierta. La mandíbula es más frecuentemente afectada por ONMF que el maxilar. Pocos casos de ONMF en el maxilar han sido descritos con un diagnostico de sinusitis maxilar simultáneo. Tres casos con sinusitis maxilar asociada a ONMF son presentados en este trabajo. Todos los pacientes fueron mujeres con una historia positiva de cáncer de mama y tratamiento con bisfosfonatos. Los primeros dos casos, desarrollaron ONMF después de una extracción del tercer molar maxilar. El tercer caso con ONMF en el maxilar, sólo tenía antecedentes de curetaje periodontal. Una tomografía computada fue realizada y mostró compromiso del seno maxilar en todos los pacientes. Modalidades diagnósticas para evaluar la extensión de la necrosis y el compromiso del seno, como también alternativas de tratamiento son descritas en este estudio. Finalmente, una revisión actualizada de la literatura es presentada.

Bisphosphonates are widely used as bone-stabilizers in the treatment of osseous metastases, osteoporosis, Paget's disease and others,due to their ability to inhibit osteoclast activity and anti-tumor effects. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, nowadays medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), is defined as the presence of exposed, non-vascularized and necrotic bone tissue in the oral cavity over a period of 8 weeks with a current or previous history of treatment with antiresorptive (bisphosphonates, RANKL ligand inhibitor) and/or antiangiogenic agents, and no history of radiation therapy to the jaws or obvious metastatic disease to the jaws. The frequency of MRONJ is unclear. The mandible appears to be more frequently affected by MRONJ than the maxilla. Isolated cases of maxillary MRONJ have been described in wich a simultaneous sinusitis maxillaris was diagnosed. Three cases of MRONJ associated with maxillaris sinusitis are presented. All cases were females with a positive history of breast cancer and bisphosphonate therapy. The first two, developed MRONJ after a third molar upper extraction. The third case with MRONJ, had a history of periodontal curettage. A computed tomography was performed and showed a maxillary sinus compromise in all patients. Imaging modalities to evaluate the extent of the necrosis and the sinus compromise, as also treatment options were described in this study. Finally, an updated literature review is presented.

Drug holiday as a prognostic factor of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

OBJECTIVES: To identify post-treatment prognostic factors for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 54 MRONJ patients who visited the Department of Dentistry, Ajou University Hospital, from May 2007 to March 2014. Twenty-one patients were surgically managed with debridement or sequestrectomy and 33 patients were conservatively managed using antibiotics. Correlations of age, sex, stage, bisphosphonate duration and type, and drug holiday with the prognosis of MRONJ were investigated. Correlations were verified by logistic regression analysis and t-tests with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were evaluated on the basis of both clinical and radiographic findings. Twelve out of 21 surgically managed patients showed a favorable prognosis and nine patients relapsed. Thirty-one of the 33 conservatively managed patients showed no specific change in prognosis, and two patients worsened. Statistical analyses of the conservative management group did not reveal any correlation of the above factors with the prognosis of conservative management. Drug holiday was the only prognostic factor in the surgical management group (P=0.031 in logistic regression analysis, P=0.004 in t-test). CONCLUSION: Drug holiday is a prognostic factor in the surgical management of MRONJ. Because the drug holiday in the patients of the poor prognosis group occurred 1.5 to 4 months prior to surgical management, we recommend a drug holiday more than 4 months before surgery.