Nationwide Multicentric Retrospective and Prospective Epidemiologic Survey of Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

Introduction: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is considered to be a rare but severe complication of bisphosphonate therapy. The presumably multifactorial pathomechanisms of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws have not been fully elucidated so far. To understand this condition better data collection is essential. Although the number of scientific papers about this subject is large, only a few multicenter reports have been published. Management of this serious side effect is a real challenge and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Material and methods: We present a novel cloud-based data collection system for the evaluation of the risk factors of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Web-based questionnaire and database have been set up and made available to voluntary researchers and clinicians in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Hungary and Slovakia. Results: To date, fifteen colleagues from eight maxillofacial units have joined the study. Data of 180 patients have been recorded. Collected data were statistically analysed and evaluated from an epidemiological point of view. Discussions: Authors consider cloud-based multicenter data collection a useful tool that allows for real-time collaboration between users, facilitates fast data entry and analysis, and thus considerably contributes to widening our knowledge of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Conclusions: Although several issues are still open regarding the management of the disorder, this study may help to develop evidence-based, individualized, stage-adapted therapeutic strategies that will replace the previous empirical treatment.