Background: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a type of jawbone
necrosis caused by the use of drugs for some types of cancer and osteoporosis. The
current study aimed to evaluate the associations between hyperglycemia and the development
of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Methods: Our research group investigated
data collected between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. A total of 260 patients
were selected from the Inpatient Care Unit, Department of Oromaxillofacial Surgery
and Stomatology, Semmelweis University. Fasting glucose data were used and included
in the study. Results: Approximately 40% of the necrosis group and 21% of the control
group presented with hyperglycemia. There was a significant association between hyperglycemia
and MRONJ (p < 0.05, p = 0.003). Vascular anomaly and immune dysfunction caused by
hyperglycemia can lead to necrosis after tooth extraction. Necrosis is more common
in the mandible (75.0%) and in the case of parenteral antiresorptive treatment (intravenous
Zoledronate and subcutaneous Denosumab). Hyperglycemia is a more relevant risk factor
than bad oral habits (26.7%). Conclusions: Ischemia is a complication of abnormal
glucose levels, a possible risk factor for necrosis development. Hence, uncontrolled
or poorly regulated plasma glucose levels can significantly increase the risk of jawbone
necrosis after invasive dental or oral surgical interventions.
