Bisphosphonates: Ally or Enemy in the Fight Against Rheumatological Diseases? Two Case Report

Abstract

Due to their primary and well-known antiresorptive activity, bisphosphonate (BPs) are commonly prescribed as first-line drugs for osteoporosis treatment. Some reports suggest that they may also possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, along with potential benefits in preventing structural joint damage in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. However, despite the promising outcomes observed with BP use in treating rheumatic disorders, numerous reports have implicated these drugs as potential contributors to the development of arthritis. In this case report, two female patients aged 71 and 55 years who developed arthritis in the wrist and dactylitis in the finger after zoledronic acid infusion are presented. This study is significant because, to our knowledge, one of our patients is the first to have been diagnosed with dactylitis, and the other case is one of the few cases in the literature presenting oligoarticular involvement of joints after zoledronic acid administration.

Keywords

• arthritis
• biphosphonates
• dactylitis