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Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis in childhood - a comprehensive review
Henner Morbach, Hermann J Girschick1
1Vivantes Childrens Hospital, Berlin-Friedrichshain, Landsberger Allee 49, 10249 Berlin, Germany. m.colina@ausl.imola.bo.it.
Insights
Childhood chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) involves aseptic bone inflammation, often linked to SAPHO syndrome. Advanced treatments beyond NSAIDs, like bisphosphonates, show promise for refractory cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Childhood chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) presents as aseptic osteomyelitis, primarily in long bone metaphyses.
- CRMO can be associated with skin conditions and inflammatory bowel disease, aligning it with SAPHO syndrome.
- Dysregulated myeloid cell cytokine/chemokine expression is implicated in CRMO's chronic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical characteristics of CRMO.
- To discuss the association of CRMO with SAPHO syndrome.
- To explore treatment strategies for CRMO, including novel therapeutic options.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CRMO and SAPHO syndrome.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and associated conditions.
- Evaluation of current and emerging treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- CRMO is characterized by chronic, aseptic osteomyelitis, frequently affecting long bone metaphyses.
- Associated conditions include palmoplantar pustulosis, psoriasis, acne, and inflammatory bowel disease, supporting its inclusion in SAPHO syndrome.
- NSAIDs offer symptomatic relief, but many patients require second-line therapies (DMARDs, biologics) for persistent inflammation.
Conclusions:
- CRMO is a complex inflammatory condition often part of the SAPHO syndrome spectrum.
- Effective management requires addressing both bone and associated extra-skeletal manifestations.
- Bisphosphonates represent a potential therapeutic avenue for NSAID-refractory osteomyelitis in CRMO.
Abstract:
The clinical picture of childhood chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is characterized by an aseptic chronic osteomyelitis, most often affecting the metaphyses of the long bones. Skin inflammation (palmoplantar pustulosis, psoriatic lesions, acne) and inflammatory bowel disease may be associated with CRMO and therefore subsume this disease into the entity of SAPHO syndrome. Deregulated cytokine/chemokine expression in myeloid cells seems to drive chronic inflammation of the disease. NSAIDs may reduce pain, but additional second-line treatments (DMARDs, biologicals) are needed to treat persisting or progressing inflammation in a significant number of patients. The use of bisphosphonates may be a promising option in treating NSAID-refractory osteomyelitis in CRMO.
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