Flare-up of hand osteoarthritis caused by zoledronic acid infusion

Osteoporos Int. 2010 Sep;21(9):1617-9. doi: 10.1007/s00198-009-1123-7. Epub 2009 Nov 21.

Abstract

Zoledronic acid is effective for osteoporosis at a single annual intravenous dose. It usually causes few adverse effects; the most common are related to acute phase reactions. We reported the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented flare-up of hand osteoarthritis after zoledronic acid infusions. Despite the fact that arthralgia is a common side effect of intravenous bisphosphonates, development of inflammatory signs in osteoarthritic joints is a rare event. We hypothesized that this side effect is caused by a release of cytokines secondary to activation of gamma-delta T lymphocytes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diphosphonates / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hand Joints*
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis / chemically induced*
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / drug therapy
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Zoledronic Acid