Can children be affected by bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw? A systematic review

Knowledge of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is mostly based on adult cases, however bisphosphonates are also currently recommended for different paediatric diseases resulting in osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the risk of developing BRONJ in children and adolescents. The PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched using the key words “bisphosphonates”, “osteonecrosis”, “jaw”, and “children”. Literature reviews, case reports, abstracts, theses, textbooks, and book chapters were excluded. Studies involving children and young adults (younger than 24 years of age) were included. A total of 56 publications were identified. After applying the eligibility criteria, only seven articles remained. Although no cases of osteonecrosis were identified, all studies had weaknesses such as a limited sample size or the absence of risk factors for the development of osteonecrosis. There is general consensus that this subject should be of concern and that further studies should be conducted before any definitive opinion is reached. It is believed that patients with secondary osteoporosis who use bisphosphonates continuously should be followed up during adulthood, since bone turnover decreases over the years.