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Relationship between radiographic grading of osteoarthritis and the biochemical markers for arthritis in knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the biochemical markers of arthritis and the radiographic grading of osteoarthritis (OA) in knees. Seventy-one women aged 49-85 years with knee OA were studied. Anterior-posterior knee radiographs and hand radiographs were taken in all patients. The radiographic grading of OA in the knee was performed by using the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria and the joint space width. The 71 patients with knee OA were divided into two groups: 37 patients exhibiting generalized osteoarthritis (GOA) and 34 non-GOA patients, according to the grading of their hand radiograph. C-reactive protein (CRP), urinary pyridinoline, YKL-40, plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 were measured as the biochemical markers of arthritis. The radiographic grading with the Kellgren-Lawrence scale revealed a significant relationship to the joint space width (P = 0.003): the joint space width decreased with increasing Kellgren-Lawrence grade. All biochemical markers had negative correlations with the joint space width, but only urinary pyridinoline had a significant correlation (P = 0.039). Pyridinoline (P = 0.034) and TIMP-1 (P = 0.017) also exhibited a significant relationship to the Kellgren-Lawrence grade. In GOA evaluations, the joint space width did not differ between GOA and non-GOA patients. CRP, pyridinoline, YKL-40 and MMP-3 levels were significantly greater in GOA patients than in non-GOA patients. CRP, pyridinoline, YKL-40, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels each related to at least one of the radiographic gradings. Furthermore, pyridinoline related to every type of radiographic grading examined in the present study.

Adipokines↗

The factor subdimensions of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) help to specify hip and knee osteoarthritis. a prospective evaluation and validation study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether it is possible to specify different score patterns for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to identify the degree of responsiveness and the validity of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) factors, which are alternative health dimensions obtained by factor analysis of the WOMAC items. METHODS: WOMAC scales and WOMAC factors were compared in a prospective setting examining patients with hip and knee OA before and after rehabilitative inpatient intervention (n = 317). In a partial sample (n = 103), the validity of the WOMAC factors was determined by a global rating of their activities. RESULTS: The WOMAC factor "ascending/descending" was significantly different for hip and knee OA in the health state before therapy (score in hip 5.09, in knee 6.59; p < 0.001); this was also true of the effect size after therapy (hip 0.39, knee 0.65; p = 0.012). The WOMAC scales did not differ for the 2 conditions. The WOMAC factor "ascending/descending" was the most responsive dimension in knee OA (effect size 0.65), but in hip OA the WOMAC pain scale was most responsive (effect size 0.55). Most of the WOMAC factors correlated moderately (r = 0.52-0.69) with the patient's self-rating on the validation questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The WOMAC factors are valid measures. Analyzing the WOMAC by the WOMAC factors facilitates and improves the differential relevance and accuracy of the WOMAC for specific conditions such as hip and knee OA.

Aged↗

Safety and efficacy of meloxicam in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a 12-week, double-blind, multiple-dose, placebo-controlled trial. The Meloxicam Osteoarthritis Investigators.

BACKGROUND: Meloxicam (Mobic; Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, Conn) is an enolic acid derivative of the oxicam group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) whose mechanism of action may be related to prostaglandin (cyclooxygenase) synthetase inhibition. In previous studies, meloxicam has been found to be safe and effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) at doses of 7.5 to 15 mg daily. To evaluate a lower dose and a different patient population, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of 3 doses of meloxicam vs placebo and diclofenac for the treatment of OA among patients with symptom exacerbations. METHODS: In this double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, multicenter study, 774 patients with confirmed OA of the hip or knee and a flare were randomized and treated with daily oral administration of meloxicam tablets (at dosages of 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/d), diclofenac (100 mg [50 mg twice daily]), or placebo. Treatment was for 12 weeks, with regular assessments for drug safety and efficacy. Safety was assessed by evaluation of adverse events, vital signs, and laboratory data. Primary efficacy variables included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, the patient's overall assessment of pain, and the patient's and investigator's overall assessment of disease activity. RESULTS: The incidence of all adverse events was lower at each dosage of meloxicam than for diclofenac but greater than for placebo. However, the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events and dropout rates because of such events was the same for meloxicam as for placebo and lower than for diclofenac. Meloxicam, at 7.5 and 15 mg/d, and diclofenac were statistically significantly more effective than placebo for all end points, while the 3.75-mg/d dosage of meloxicam did not always reach statistical significance for all end points. Efficacy was evident after 2 weeks of treatment, improved with increasing doses, and was maintained until the end of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Meloxicam is a safe and effective medication for the symptomatic treatment of OA. The data support consideration of 7.5 to 15 mg of meloxicam once daily to treat the pain and stiffness of OA, with gastrointestinal tolerability comparable to that of placebo. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:2947-2954

Adult↗

Comparison of the responsiveness and relative effect size of the western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the short-form Medical Outcomes Study Survey in a randomized, clinical trial of osteoarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the responsiveness and relative effect sizes of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in a randomized clinical trial for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Patients with OA of the knee or hip were randomized to receive either placebo or 2,400 mg/day of ibuprofen for 28 days. Patients completed the WOMAC and SF-36 at baseline and days 7, 14, and 28 of the trial. RESULTS: Patients receiving ibuprofen showed significant improvement in WOMAC pain, physical functioning, and the total score, while improvement was detected only for bodily pain on the SF-36. The WOMAC detected significant differences between ibuprofen and placebo for pain and physical functioning, whereas the SF-36 detected differences for the bodily pain subscale. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the WOMAC has greater power to detect treatment differences than the SF-36, with respect to pain and physical functioning, in OA clinical trials.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein reflects osteoarthritis presence and severity: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels by age and gender for a radiographically defined population free of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to examine the potential utility of COMP as a diagnostic biomarker for knee OA. METHODS: Serum samples and knee and hip radiographs were obtained at a baseline evaluation as part of the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, a population-based study of OA in rural North Carolina. A total of 291 Caucasian participants were randomly selected for COMP analysis, 143 patients with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grade > or = 2) and 148 controls with neither hip nor knee OA (K/L grade 0), evenly distributed by age and gender. COMP was quantified by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with monoclonal antibody 17-C10. The natural log-transformed COMP data were analyzed using general linear models. RESULTS: Serum COMP levels were significantly elevated (P = 0.0001) in the age > or = 65 group (mean +/- SD 1,302.1 +/- 496.7 ng/ml) versus the age 45-54 and age 55-64 groups (1,058.1 +/- 432.4 and 1,038.6 +/- 313.3, respectively). Serum COMP levels of the OA group were significantly higher than those of the control group (1,208.57 +/- 487.47 ng/ml versus 1,061.83 +/- 370.58 ng/ml; P = 0.0093). Serum COMP levels also increased significantly with knee OA K/L grade (P = 0.0047), knee OA laterality (P = 0.0043), and number of knee and hip joints involved (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in serum COMP levels by gender or obesity. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that in a population-based sample, serum COMP levels can distinguish an OA-affected subgroup from an unaffected subgroup and can reflect disease severity and multiple joint involvement in OA.

Aged↗

The incidence and natural history of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. The Framingham Osteoarthritis Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and symptomatic OA (symptoms plus radiographic OA), as well as the rate of progression of preexisting radiographic OA in a population-based sample of elderly persons. METHODS: Framingham Osteoarthritis Study subjects who had knee radiographs and had answered questions about knee symptoms in 1983-1985 were reexamined in 1992-1993 (mean 8.1-year interval) using the same protocol. Subjects were defined as having new (incident) radiographic OA if they developed grade > or = 2 OA (at least definite osteophytes or definite joint space narrowing). New symptomatic OA was present if subjects developed a combination of knee symptoms and grade > or = 2 OA. Progressive OA was diagnosed when radiographs showing grade 2 disease at baseline showed grade > or = 3 disease on followup. RESULTS: Of 1,438 participants in the original study, 387 (26.9%) died prior to followup. Of the 1,051 surviving subjects, 869 (82.7%) participated in the followup study (mean +/- SD age 70.8 +/- 5.0 at baseline). Rates of incident disease were 1.7 times higher in women than in men (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.7), and progressive disease occurred slightly more often in women (relative risk = 1.4; 95% CI 0.8-2.5) but rates did not vary by age in this sample. Among women, approximately 2% per year developed incident radiographic disease, 1% per year developed symptomatic knee OA, and about 4% per year experienced progressive knee OA. CONCLUSION: In elderly persons, the new onset of knee OA is frequent and is more common in women than men. However, among the elderly, age may not affect new disease occurrence or progression.

Aged↗

Serum hyaluronan levels and radiographic knee and hip osteoarthritis in African Americans and Caucasians in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

OBJECTIVE: Serum hyaluronan (HA) has been proposed as a potential biomarker of osteoarthritis (OA). We examined associations between serum HA and radiographic OA in an ethnically diverse, population-based sample. METHODS: Participants were selected from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, using stratified simple random sampling to achieve balance according to radiographic knee OA status, ethnic group, sex, and age group. Serum HA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Radiographic OA variables included knee OA, knee OA laterality, knee OA severity, concomitant knee and hip OA, and total number of OA-affected knee and hip joints. Analysis of covariance was used to assess differences in mean serum levels of natural log-transformed HA (ln serum HA) between groups, adjusting for ethnicity, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and self-reported comorbidities. RESULTS: Levels of ln serum HA were positively associated with all definitions of radiographic OA (P < 0.0001). Levels of ln serum HA were higher in Caucasians (P = 0.0094) and in men (P = 0.0038) and were moderately correlated with age (r = 0.35, P < 0.0001). The associations with radiographic OA, ethnicity, sex, and age remained statistically significant after adjustment (P < 0.0045). There were no interactions between ethnicity and the other covariates. CONCLUSION: These cross-sectional data support a role for serum HA as a biomarker of radiographic OA. The variations in levels of serum HA attributable to ethnicity, sex, and age were not explained by radiographic OA, BMI, or comorbidities. The lack of strong confounding between serum HA and comorbidities further supports a role for serum HA as a potential biomarker.

Black or African American↗

Risedronate decreases biochemical markers of cartilage degradation but does not decrease symptoms or slow radiographic progression in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee: results of the two-year multinational knee osteoarthritis structural arthritis study.

OBJECTIVE: Bisphosphonates have slowed the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in animal models and have decreased pain in states of high bone turnover. The Knee OA Structural Arthritis (KOSTAR) study, which is the largest study to date investigating a potential structure-modifying OA drug, tested the efficacy of risedronate in providing symptom relief and slowing disease progression in patients with knee OA. METHODS: The study group comprised 2,483 patients with medial compartment knee OA and 2-4 mm of joint space width (JSW), as determined using fluoroscopically positioned, semiflexed-view radiography. Patients were enrolled in 2 parallel 2-year studies in North America and the European Union. These studies evaluated the efficacy of risedronate at dosages of 5 mg/day, 15 mg/day, 35 mg/week (in Europe), and 50 mg/week (in North America) compared with placebo in reducing signs and symptoms, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and patient global assessment (PGA) scores, and in slowing radiographic progression. RESULTS: A reduction of approximately 20% in signs and symptoms, as measured by WOMAC subscales and PGA scores, was observed in all groups, with no treatment effect of risedronate demonstrated. Risedronate did not significantly reduce radiographic progression as measured by decreased JSW or using a dichotomous definition of progression (joint space loss of >or=0.6 mm). Thirteen percent of patients receiving placebo demonstrated significant disease progression over 2 years. A dose-dependent reduction in the level of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type II collagen, a cartilage degradation marker associated with progressive OA, was seen in patients who received risedronate. No increase in the number of adverse events was demonstrated for risedronate compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Although risedronate (compared with placebo) did not improve signs or symptoms of OA, nor did it alter progression of OA, a reduction in the level of a marker of cartilage degradation was observed. A sustained clinically relevant improvement in signs and symptoms was observed in all treatment and placebo groups.

Adult↗

Type II collagen synthesis in the articular cartilage of a rabbit model of osteoarthritis: expression of type II collagen C-propeptide and mRNA especially during early-stage osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to observe time course changes in type II collagen synthesis in various regions of articular cartilage affected with osteoarthritis (OA) by examining the expression of type II collagen C-propeptide (pCOL II-C) and mRNA in a rabbit OA model. METHODS: Osteoarthritis was experimentally induced by partial lateral meniscectomy in the knees of Japanese white rabbits. The cartilage of the animals was then examined histologically over time. The degenerative area of articular cartilage was divided into three areas, according to the degree of degeneration. The ability to synthesize type II collagen was estimated by the immunohistological staining of pCOL II-C and the in situ hybridization of mRNA in type II collagen. RESULTS: The positive rate of pCOL II-C immunostaining in chondrocytes was highest in the central-degenerative region 1 week after surgery, and the highest rate in the para-degenerative region was observed 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. The percentage of pCOL II-C positive cells increased as the histological degeneration score increased to moderate degeneration and then decreased with further progression of the severity of cartilage degeneration. Examination by in situ hybridization revealed that the regions marked by strong pCOL II-C mRNA expression were similar to those indicated by the immunohistology results. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the type II collagen-synthesizing potential of chondrocytes is highest in moderately degenerated areas of OA articular cartilage. Cartilage repair continues to be seen even as OA advances, although the reaction varies depending on the stage of OA.

Animals↗

Investigations in generalized osteoarthritis. Part 2: special histological features in generalized osteoarthritis (histological investigations in Heberden's nodes using a histological score).

OBJECTIVE: In accordance with the literature, our previous epidemiological, clinical and genetical investigations have confirmed a correlation between generalized osteoarthritis (GOA) and Heberden's nodes. Heberden's nodes can be considered as genetic markers for the existence of a generalized osteoarthritic predisposition. The present study's concern was to establish whether there are special histological features in this disease. METHODS: Layered sections of 218 distal finger joints from 56 deceased persons were investigated using a histological-histochemical score modified by Mankin. RESULTS: In Heberden's nodes, we found all the typical degradative sequences of the osteoarthritic process but also some specific modifications. The osteoarthritis (OA) starts with a subchondral ossification and manifests a reactive tidemark flaking. At this time, the surface of the cartilage is not yet destroyed. Later on, there is progression of general degradation. Significant differentiation from the control group is possible using a histological score. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Heberden's nodes, the OA starts with the subchondral ossification. Heberden's nodes are the specific manifestation of GOA in the distal finger joints. Further studies are therefore required to assess whether the same pathogenetic mechanism can be seen in OA of the large joints in GOA.

Age Distribution↗

Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint: a study of radiology and clinical epidemiology. Results from the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study.

BACKGROUND: The radiological and epidemiological data from the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study (COS) were analysed in order to assess the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ). Another aim of the study was to analyse relationships between radiologic CMCJ OA and self-reported pain. The third aim was to analyse if additional information could be obtained applying a new method of correlating individual radiological features to self-reported pain, compared to Kellgren and Lawrence's (K-L's) radiologic OA classification. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1994 standardised radiographs of both hands were recorded in 3,355 participants of the COS cohort. Subjects with known rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory arthritis or earlier fractures of the hand were excluded. OA of the CMCJ was assessed according to K-L's radiologic classification by two senior radiologists at our institution. The radiologists further evaluated individual radiologic features of CMCJ OA as recommended by K-L according to the text attached to each picture in their radiologic atlas of OA. To estimate inter- and intraobserver reproducibility a subset of 100 radiographs was reread. RESULTS: Our analyses demonstrated that the K-L method was not able to classify all X-rays. In 608 (18.1%) cases, combinations of joint space width (JSW) measurements, the graduation of osteofytes, sclerosis and cysts fell outside the classification. The radiological evaluation of individual features of OA demonstrated an acceptable reproducibility, intrapersonal (kappa=0.79) as well as interpersonal (kappa=0.65). The prevalence of each radiological feature increased after the fifth decade, progressively more so among women (P<0.001), with the highest prevalence (36.0%) of grades 3 and 4 JSW reduction among women>80 years. A significant correlation was found between signs of radiologic degeneration and self-reported pain (P<0.001); however, different combinations of OA features had different relations to symptoms. Logistic regression analyses revealed sclerosis to have an independent influence on pain in the thumb compared with the presence of osteofytes, cysts and diminished JSW. Body mass index (BMI) was positively related to radiological changes. In logistic regression analyses BMI did not demonstrate an independent positive relation to OA. CONCLUSION: Radiological degenerative changes in the CMCJ by age especially among women are quite common. However, it is demonstrated that global radiologic classifications of OA of the CMCJ have serious limitations in epidemiological studies. Not all cases fit into classification based on the K-L-atlas. Among the radiological features, subchondral sclerosis is significantly related to self-reported pain. Specific radiologic data should be incorporated in epidemiological studies on hand OA.

Age Distribution↗

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Singapore English and Chinese versions of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in Asians with knee osteoarthritis in Singapore.

OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt and validate Singapore English and Chinese versions of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in Singapore. METHODS: Singapore English and Chinese versions were cross-culturally adapted from the source English KOOS following standard guidelines (including cognitive debriefing). Patients were asked to complete identical questionnaires containing the KOOS, Short Form 36 Health Survey, and EQ-5D twice within 6 days. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), dimensionality using item-to-domain correlations and convergent and divergent construct validity using 14 and 13 a priori hypotheses, respectively. RESULTS: Singapore English and Chinese KOOS versions were well accepted by patients in pilot testing and were therefore administered to a consecutive sample of 127 English and 131 Chinese-speaking Singaporeans with knee OA. Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.7 for all domains except for Chinese pain and symptoms domains. ICC exceeded 0.7 for all domains except for English sport and recreation and Chinese knee-related QoL domains. Hypothesized item-to-domain correlations (Spearman's rho>or=0.4) were observed for 38 items in English and 29 in Chinese versions. Convergent construct validity was supported by the presence of hypothesized moderate/strong correlations (rho=0.37-0.65) for 13 and 11 a priori hypotheses in the English and Chinese KOOS, respectively. Divergent construct validity was supported by the presence of weak correlations (rho=0.02-0.34) for 12 and 11 a priori hypotheses in the English and Chinese KOOS, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Singapore English and Chinese KOOS were well accepted and demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity in Asian patients with knee OA in Singapore.

Aged↗

The Genetics of Generalized Osteoarthritis (GOGO) study: study design and evaluation of osteoarthritis phenotypes.

PURPOSE: The primary goal of the Genetics of Generalized Osteoarthritis (GOGO) study is to identify chromosomal regions associated with increased susceptibility to generalized osteoarthritis (OA). Here we describe the study design and phenotype of the 2728 participants from the 1145 families recruited for this study. METHODS: GOGO is an investigator-initiated collaboration involving seven clinical academic sites and sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. Family ascertainment was carried out between 1999 and 2002. A qualifying family required self-reported Caucasian ethnicity and at least two affected siblings with clinical hand OA. We hypothesized that this clinical phenotype would facilitate identification of participants with multijoint radiographic OA (rOA) in and beyond the hand. The "gold standard" case definition, however, was based on rOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade > or =2) involving > or =3 hand joints distributed bilaterally and including at least one distal interphalangeal joint, with two of the three involved joints within a joint group (distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, or carpometacarpal). Radiographs of hips, knees and spine were also obtained. Additional siblings and living parents from qualifying families, both affected and unaffected, were invited to participate. RESULTS: A total of 2706 participants had complete clinical and radiological examination data. Of these, 2569 participants met clinical examination criteria for affected status; while 1963 (73%) participants met the prespecified radiographic criteria for affected status. This corresponded to a total of 707 families with at least two affected siblings that met the hand rOA criteria. Of those individuals with rOA of the hand, the frequency of rOA at other sites was highest for the knee (51%) and spine (54%), and less common for the hip (25%). Concordance rates among hand affected siblings were greatest for spine (36%) followed by knee (31%) and hip (9%); a total of 53% of the affected sib pairs were concordant for specific patterns of generalized rOA involving the hand and large joints (knees, hips or spine). CONCLUSIONS: GOGO represents a large multicenter collection of families with multiple joint OA that have been characterized both clinically and radiographically. The GOGO study will employ a comprehensive strategy for genetic screening based upon both qualitative and quantitative radiographic trait analyses, circulating biomarkers in a quantitative trait-based analysis, fine mapping, and candidate gene analysis. This sample should provide sufficient power to detect linkage to OA associated genes.

Adult↗

WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index--additional dimensions for use in subjects with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity of WOMAC and the two added dimensions Sport and Recreation Function and Knee Related Quality of Life in subjects with radiographic knee OA to that in controls. To study the influence of age on the reported outcomes. DESIGN: Outcomes were compared between subjects having had meniscectomy 21 years ago and which at time of follow-up had definite radiographic OA (N=41, mean age 57), and age- and sex-matched controls without radiographic OA (N=50, mean age 53). For the purpose of studying the impact of age, the groups were divided in two age groups, younger and older than 50 years, respectively. Close to 50% of both groups reported current physical activity levels of at least recreational golf, dancing, hiking, etc. Symptoms and function were assessed by WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index and the added dimensions Sport and Recreational Function (Sport/Rec) and Knee Related Quality of Life (QOL). A percentage score was calculated, 0 indicating extreme knee problems and 100 indicating no knee problems. RESULTS: The control group had mean scores of 88-98 for the different dimensions. The OA group scored significantly lower in all dimensions (P< 0.0001). The most discriminative dimensions in both age groups were Sport/Rec and QOL with mean scores of 52 and 59 (ranges 0-100). CONCLUSION: The dimensions Sport and Recreation Function, and Knee Related QOL were highly sensitive and discriminant outcomes in both age groups and should be assessed in addition to WOMAC in subjects with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee.

Adult↗

History of acute knee injury and osteoarthritis of the knee: a prospective epidemiological assessment. The Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between acute joint injury to the knee and knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Prospective cohort. Sample size = 1,436. Men and women aged 40 years and older participating in the population-based Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study (1988-current) with biennial physical exams including serial radiographs. Radiologically confirmed knee OA = 27%; self-reported knee injury = 11%. Lawrence and Kellgren ordinal scale was used to determine radiological evidence of the study outcome, knee OA. Self-reported history of knee injury was used to determine the study exposure. RESULTS: Individuals with a history of knee injury were 7.4 (95% C.I. 5.9-9.4) times as likely to develop knee OA than were those individuals who did not have a history of knee injury. CONCLUSION: Acute knee joint injury appears to be a risk factor for the development of knee OA. Prevention strategies for OA should be targeted to those individuals with a history of acute knee injury.

Acute Disease↗

[Reproducibility of radiologic markers of osteoarthritis. Evaluating a score for radiologic classification of degenerative changes in osteoarthritis of the knee joint].

INTRODUCTION: The radiological assessment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint in longitudinal studies is usually performed with established classifications. It is disadvantageous that these features are always combined to describe a certain stage of the disease, even though they can develop independently. METHODS: A german score based on a publication by Scott et al. (1993) was designed. At first 100 X-ray series of knees were evaluated using the Jäger & Wirth, the Kellgren & Lawrence classification and the point score. Six observers then evaluated 200 anonymised radiographs of knee joints twice within 3 months. RESULTS: The most reliable criteria for the inter-observer reliancy were medial osteophytes, medial joint-line narrowing, patella osteophytes and chondrocalcinosis. At least 4 out of 6 observers had a high match in these criteria. The reproducability of most of the individual radiographic features was good, with a higher level of orthopaedic training resulting in a higher consistency of the score. DISCUSSION: A certain level of orthopaedic training is necessary for consistent results. The main focus of the score will be less the daily routine assessment of radiographs of the knee joint, but more the scientific assessment of radiographic progression of osteoarthritis in longitudinal studies.

Humans↗

Serum carotenoids and radiographic knee osteoarthritis: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

OBJECTIVE: Antioxidant intake has been associated with less progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), but studies of carotenoid biomarkers and OA have not been done. We examined associations between serum concentrations of nine naturally occurring carotenoids and radiographic knee OA. DESIGN: The study design was matched case-control. Sera were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography for nine carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha- and beta-cryptoxanthin, trans- and cis-lycopene, alpha-carotene, and trans- and cis-beta-carotene. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between tertiles of each carotenoid and radiographic knee OA, independent of body mass index, education, serum cholesterol, and the other carotenoids. SETTING: Johnston County, North Carolina, United States of America. SUBJECTS: Two-hundred cases with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades > or = 2) and 200 controls (Kellgren-Lawrence grade = 0) were randomly selected from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, and were matched on age, gender and race. RESULTS: Participants with serum levels of lutein or beta-cryptoxanthin in the highest tertile were approximately 70% less likely to have knee OA than controls (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 0.28 [0.11, 0.73] and 0.36 [0.14, 0.95], respectively). Those in the highest tertile of trans-beta-carotene (OR = 6.40 [1.86, 22.1]) and zeaxanthin (OR = 3.06 [1.19, 7.85]) were more likely to have knee OA. CONCLUSIONS: While certain carotenoids may protect against knee OA, others may increase the odds of knee OA. Further study of carotenoids and knee OA are warranted before clinical recommendations about these substances and knee OA can be made.

Antioxidants↗

Sonographic study of calcaneal entheses in erosive osteoarthritis, nodal osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish by ultrasonography (US) the frequency of calcaneal entheses involvement in erosive osteoarthritis (EOA), nodal osteoarthritis (NOA), RA and PsA, and to compare these results in order to aid clinicians in the differential diagnosis among these diseases. A comparison between US results and radiography was also made. METHODS: The heels of 56 consecutive outpatients with EOA, 209 with NOA, 158 with RA and 125 with PsA were studied by US and radiography. A control group of 50 subjects was examined by US. RESULTS: US showed no significant difference in inferior calcaneal enthesophytosis among the four diseases. The frequency of posterioinferior enthesophytosis was lower in RA (34%) in comparison with the other diseases (57% in EOA, 47% in NOA, 49% in PsA). Achilles enthesitis was found in 8% of PsA and in 2% of RA. Retrocalcaneal bursitis was found in 18% of RA and in 6% of PsA. Posterior erosions were present in 12% of RA and 5% of PsA. Inferior erosions were present in 6% of RA and in 1% of PsA. Plantar fasciitis was found in 26% of RA, in 37% of PsA, and in 15% of NOA and 12% of EOA. Subcalcaneal panniculitis was observed in 10% of RA and in 1% of PsA. In the control group, only posterioinferior and inferior enthesophytosis (22% and 18% respectively) were found. Kappa statistics show excellent agreement between US and radiography in detecting posterioinferior (kappa = 0.89) and inferior enthesophytosis (kappa = 0.83), and entheseal erosions (kappa = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: The calcaneal lesions that could be found in EOA are similar to those observed in NOA. The frequency of calcaneal enthesophytosis is similar in EOA, NOA, and PsA, but inflammatory lesions of calcaneal entheses and of the adjacent bursae are more frequent in RA and in PsA. In terms of heel involvement, EOA seems to be similar to NOA. US shows an excellent concordance with radiography in detecting entheseal cortical bone abnormalities.

Adult↗