Osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors

Abstract

Previous reports have suggested a possible association between tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, used in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, a comprehensive assessment of the frequency and severity of MRONJ caused by these agents is lacking. The aim of this cohort study was to investigate the occurrence of MRONJ in a population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with TNF-α inhibitors at a tertiary care medical centre. A total of 2701 IBD patients under current or former treatment with TNF-α inhibitors were identified in an IBD registry covering the period 1994-2018. These patients were cross-matched with all patients diagnosed with MRONJ. This resulted in three patients with a definite diagnosis of MRONJ, without concomitant treatment with bisphosphonates. All three patients required surgical treatment with sequestrectomy. Mucosal healing occurred at 4-15 months and one patient developed recurrence. In conclusion, this study identified and described anti-TNF-α-related MRONJ occurring in a large cohort of IBD patients, and reported the severity and treatment strategies used.

Keywords: MRONJ; TNF-α inhibitors; inflammatory bowel disease; osteonecrosis of the jaw.