Conocimiento y conciencia de los médicos sobre la osteonecrosis relacionada con bifosfonatos / Knowledge and awareness of physicians about bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Objetivo: Determinar el conocimiento y la conciencia que tienen los médicos sobre la osteonecrosis relacionada con bifosfonatos. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, en el cual se encuestó a médicos generales y especialistas con la finalidad de identificar el nivel de conocimientos y conciencia que tienen sobre el tema. Resultados: Se entrevistó a un total de 475 médicos generales y especialistas, de los cuales 210 (44.2%) mencionaron prescribir bifosfonatos, de este grupo 58.1% no envía a los pacientes con el odontólogo para eliminar factores de riesgo, a pesar de que 61.8% de los mismos mencionó conocer las reacciones adversas; 36 médicos (17.4%) han visto a algún paciente con osteonecrosis por bifosfonatos. El 37% de los médicos que prescriben medicamentos consideran que no es necesario remitir a los pacientes al odontólogo. Conclusiones: La prescripción de bifosfonatos en la práctica médica va en aumento, los médicos deben tener el conocimiento adecuado sobre las reacciones adversas de estos medicamentos para así poder referir oportunamente al odontólogo, educar al paciente y poder prevenir complicaciones como la osteonecrosis relacionada con bifosfonatos (AU)

Objectives : To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of physicians about bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among general practitioners and specialized physicians to determine their knowledge and awareness of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Results: Of the 475 interviewed general practitioners and specialized physicians, 210 (44.2%) claimed to prescribe bisphosphonates. A total of 58.1% of these physicians did not refer their patients to the dentist for the elimination of risk factors, despite the fact that 61.8% of them reported knowledge of the adverse reactions of these drugs. Thirty-six physicians (17.4%) had seen some patient with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. A total of 37% of the physicians that prescribed drugs considered it not necessary to refer patients to the dentist. Conclusions: Bisphosphonate prescription is increasingly common in medical practice, and physicians must have adequate knowledge of the adverse reactions of these drugs in order to ensure opportune patient referral to the dentist, educate their patients, and avoid complications such as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (AU)

Knowledge of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the Jaws among Mexican dentists

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis is an infrequent but potentially serious complication. Its treatment remains complex, and in some cases can be mutilating. Prevention, a correct diagnosis and opportune management are crucial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was made, interviewing 410 dentists with the aim of assessing their knowledge of the subject. RESULTS: Practically all of the dental professionals (99.7%) were found to lack sufficient knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis and management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Actions including increased diffusion in the professional media and inclusion of the subject in training programs are needed in order to enhance the knowledge of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis among dentists and thus prevent complications in this group of patients