Risk of osteonecrosis in patients taking bisphosphonates for prevention of osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Summary: We aimed to systematically review observational studies evaluating use of bisphosphonates (BPs) and risk of osteonecrosis of jaw (ONJ) or other sites among non-cancer patients.

Introduction: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were screened from database inception to Dec 2012.

Methods: Two reviewers independently identified cohort and case-control studies evaluating the use of oral or intravenous (IV) BPs and the risk of ONJ and extracted the characteristics of the studies and risk estimates. Pooled estimates of odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were derived by random effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were carried according to patients' characteristics and route of BP use.

Results: We identified 12 studies, including 2,652 cases and 1,571,997 controls. Use of BPs was associated with a significantly increased risk of ONJ or ON of other sites [odds ratio (OR) 2.32; 95 % CI 1.38-3.91; I (2) = 91 %]. The summary OR was 2.91 (95 % CI 1.62-5.22; I (2) = 85.9 %) for adjusted studies. Use of BPs were associated with higher risk on ONJ (OR 2.57; 95 % CI 1.37-4.84; I (2) = 92.2 %) than ON of other sites (OR 1.79; 95 % CI 0.71-4.47; I (2) = 83.3 %). Meta-regression analysis did not find design characteristics or outcome definitions to be significant sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that use of BPs in cancer patients is associated with a substantial risk for ONJ. Patients receiving IV BP are at highest risk.