Fractura de fémur proximal (31-A3. 2) asociada al uso de tenofovir en paciente VIH+: reporte de caso / Proximal femur fracture (31-A3. 2) associated with the use of tenofovir in an HIV-positive patient: case report

Presentamos el primer reporte de caso en paciente adulto con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH + ) con fractura por fragilidad en fémur proximal asociada al uso de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) con fumarato de disoproxilo de tenofovir (FDT) en Chile. Actualmente, los pacientes diagnosticados con VIH inician tratamiento precoz con TARV, lo que implica mayor cantidad de años de exposición a los fármacos de la terapia. El tiempo de exposición acumulado al FDT se ha asociado a disminución de la densidad mineral ósea y falla renal progresiva, pudiendo el paciente desarrollar síndrome de Fanconi adquirido y osteomalacia, con riesgo aumentado de fractura. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 44 años, VIH+ , evaluado en urgencia tras caída a nivel que resultó en fractura patológica del fémur proximal. Los exámenes de ingreso destacaron hipocalemia, hipocalcemia, hipofosfatemia e hipovitaminosis D. Se realizó manejo multidisciplinario, con suspensión del FDT, un cambio en la TARV, y suplementación con calcio y carga de vitamina D. Se realizó reducción cerrada y fijación con clavo cefalomedular largo, que evolucionó favorablemente con rehabilitación motora precoz; el paciente recuperó su funcionalidad previa, y se observó consolidación ósea a las 12 semanas. La aparición de dolor osteomuscular en pacientes VIH+ en TARV debe levantar alta sospecha clínica de efecto adverso a medicamento; el seguimiento de estos pacientes debe incluir el control seriado de la función renal y de los niveles séricos de calcio y fósforo. La búsqueda y sospecha de estas complicaciones permitiría una intervención precoz, mejorando la condición de los pacientes y previniendo fracturas patológicas.

We present the first case report of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adult patient with a fragility fracture of the proximal femur associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in Chile. Currently, patients diagnosed with HIV start ART early, resulting in more years of exposure to these drugs. The accumulated exposure time to TDF has been associated with a decreased bone mineral density and progressive renal failure, potentially leading to acquired Fanconi syndrome, osteomalacia, and an increased risk of fracture. We present a case of a 44-year-old, HIV-positive man assessed at the emergency room after a fall from standing height which resulted in a proximal femoral pathological fracture. Laboratory findings at admission revealed hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypovitaminosis D. Multidisciplinary management was performed, with TDF discontinuation, ART change, and supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. Closed reduction and fixation with a long cephalomedullary nail was successful, with early motor rehabilitation, functional recovery, and bone consolidation at 12 weeks. Musculoskeletal pain in HIV-positive patients on ART must raise the clinical suspicion of an adverse drug effect; the follow-up of these subjects must include serial monitoring of renal function and serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Screening and suspicion of such complications would enable an early intervention, improving the patients' condition and preventing pathological fractures.

Rescate de seudoartrosis asociada a falla de la osteosíntesis en fractura femoral por bifosfonatos. reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Nonunion rescue associated with osteosynthesis failure in femoral fracture due to bisphosphonates. case report and literature review

Las fracturas asociadas al consumo crónico de bifosfonatos son cuadros descritos recientemente en la literatura médica, que presentan altas tasas de seudoartrosis. Presentamos un caso de rescate de seudoartrosis de fractura femoral subtrocantérica atípica por bifosfonatos asociada a falla del material de osteosíntesis, tratada finalmente con clavo endomedular cervicodiafisario e injerto estructural de peroné. El tratamiento con clavo cervicodiafisario más injerto autólogo está indicado para la seudoartrosis en fracturas femorales asociadas a bifosfonatos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV.

Fractures associated with chronic use of bisphosphonates are recently described entities, with high rates of nonunion. We report a case of nonunion rescue of an atypical subtrochanteric bisphosphonate femoral fracture associated with osteosynthesis failure, which was finally treated using an intramedullary nail and structural fibular graft. Treatment with autologous graft and neck-nail is indicated for nonunion in femoral fractures associated with bisphosphonates. Level of Evidence: IV.

Long-term risks of bisphosphonate therapy / Riscos do tratamento a longo prazo com bisfosfonatos

The objective this study was to summarize long-term risks associated with bisphosphonate therapy. Search of relevant medical publications for data from clinical trials, trial extensions, observational studies and post-marketing reports. Trial extensions and modifications did not reveal significant long-term safety issues. Observational data suggest at least as many benefits as risks. Post-marketing reports of musculoskeletal pain, osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures have been widely circulated in the lay press. Most focus on long-terms risks has been on osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures which occur in patients who have not received bisphosphonate therapy but may be more frequent (though still uncommon) in patients who have been on treatment for 5 years or longer. Lower-risk patients may be able to stop treatment after 3-5 years for a “drug holiday,” which mitigates these long-term risks; for higher risk patients, therapy through 6-10 years appears to be advisable and offers more benefits than risks.

O objetivo deste estudo foi resumir os riscos associados ao tratamento a longo prazo com bisfosfonatos. Foram pesquisadas as publicações médicas relevantes incluindo ensaios clínicos, extensões de ensaios clínicos, estudos observacionais e relatórios pós-comercialização (vigilância farmacológica). As extensões e modificações de ensaios clínicos não indicaram nenhuma situação de alarme quanto à segurança dos bisfosfonatos a longo prazo. Dados observacionais sugerem pelo menos tantos benefícios quanto riscos. Entretanto, relatos pós-comercialização de dor musculoesquelética, osteonecrose da mandíbula e fraturas de fêmur atípicas foram amplamente divulgados na imprensa leiga. O foco nos riscos a longo prazo do tratamento com bisfosfonatos tem sido pincipalmente a osteonecrose da mandíbula e as fraturas atípicas de fêmur. Essas últimas, embora mais frequentes (ainda que pouco comuns) em pacientes que receberam tratamento com bisfosfonatos por 5 anos ou mais, podem ocorrer em indivíduos não tratados com esses medicamentos. Pacientes com baixo risco de fratura podem potencialmente parar o tratamento depois de 3 a 5 anos (“drug holiday”). Esse procedimento reduz os riscos desses medicamentos a longo prazo. Não obstante, nos pacientes de maior risco a terapia por 6 a 10 anos parece ser aconselhável e oferece mais benefícios do que riscos.

Spontaneous Non-Traumatic Stress Fractures in Bilateral Femoral Shafts in a Patient Treated with Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone resorption and widely used to treat osteoporosis. Extensive studies have shown that therapy with bisphosphonates improves bone density and decreases fracture risk. However, concerns have been raised about potential over-suppression of bone turnover during long-term use of bisphosphonates, resulting in increased susceptibility to and delayed healing of non-spinal fractures. We report a patient who sustained non-traumatic stress fractures in bilateral femoral shafts with delayed healing after long-term bisphosphonate therapy. She underwent open reduction and surgical internal fixation. Although bisphosphonates effectively prevent vertebral fractures, and their safety has been tested in randomized trials, we must emphasize the need for awareness of the possibility that long-term suppression of bone turnover with bisphosphonates may eventually lead to an accumulation of fatigue-induced damage and adverse skeletal effects such as delayed fracture healing.