Authors: J E O’Connell O Ikeagwani G J Kearns
Publish Date: 2012/01/06
Volume: 181, Issue: 2, Pages: 237-242
Abstract
Bisphosphonates are a class of chemical compounds used in the treatment of a variety of bonerelated conditions Bisphosphonaterelated osteonecrosis of the jaws BRONJ is a wellrecognised complication Cterminal crosslinking telopeptide CTX estimation has been suggested as an indicator for the risk of BRONJ It was reported that values 100 pg/ml represent a high risk of developing BRONJ following surgery and those between 100 and 150 pg/ml a moderate risk The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the CTX test in predicting the development of BRONJThis is an 18monthprospective study of patients taking bisphosphonates referred to a regional Maxillofacial Surgery Unit for dentoalveolar surgery The following variables were recorded age gender reason for referral bisphosphonate type indication for and duration of bisphosphonate treatment medical comorbidities CTX value development of BRONJ and followup period23 patients underwent a fasting CTX test The mean age was 59 years range 44–78 years Nineteen were taking alendronic acid two risedronate sodium and two zoledronic acid The mean duration of bisphosphonate treatment was 30 months range 8–72 months The mean CTX value was 180 pg/ml range 50–370 pg/ml with 11 patients having a value at or less than 150 pg/ml The mean followup period was 5 months range 3–11 months None of the patients who underwent removal of one or more teeth subsequently developed BRONJ
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