Serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO)

Introduction Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone disorder mostly affecting children and adolescents. Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is the most severe form of CNO. It is characterized by recurring episodes of bone inflammation that can last for years and may cause chronic pain, pathological fractures, and disability. Despite recent advances in targeting disease mechanisms, the exact pathophysiology of CNO/CRMO remains unknown. Diagnosis of CNO can be challenging, because symptoms tend to be mild and highly variable, and is further complicated by the absence of widely accepted diagnostic criteria and disease biomarkers.