An outcome measure for Japanese people with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new outcome measure for Japanese patients with knee osteoarthritis, the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM). METHODS: The outcome measure was designed to incorporate the concepts of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health 2001, and to reflect the specific Japanese cultural lifestyle, which differs from Western countries. To examine the validity and reliability of this measure and to determine the underlying set of measures, psychometric measurements including factor analysis were conducted in comparison with 2 other health related scales, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The following psychometric properties were tested with this new measure: test and retest reliability, internal consistency, content validity, construct validity, and criterion related validity. RESULTS: The measure was proved to have sufficient reliability and validity by means of statistical evaluation and comparison with other health related scales. Three domains are clearly separated on the loading pattern by factor analysis: pain, limitation in mobility related to daily activity, and restriction of participation in social life and health perception. CONCLUSION: The JKOM, a new knee OA measure, has sufficient reliability and validity for studies of the clinical outcomes of Japanese people with knee OA.     

The MRI-detected osteophyte score is a predictor for undergoing joint replacement in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis

Objectives: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether MRI-detected osteoarthritis (OA)-structural changes at baseline could predict knee OA patients who would undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: In total, 128 end-stage medial-type knee OA patients were enrolled and followed up for 6 months. MRI using the whole-organ MRI scoring (WORMS) method, radiographic findings, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and a patient-oriented outcome measure, and the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were recorded at baseline. The area under the curve (AUC) was estimated to determine the discriminative value of the prediction models.

Results: While 74 patients (57.8%) did not undergo TKA, the remaining 54 patients (42.2%) underwent TKA during this period. The AUCs of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the activities of daily living (ADL) score evaluated by the JKOM ADL score [0.70 (95% CI: 0.60–0.79)] and osteophyte score [0.72 (0.64–0.81)] were 0.70 or greater. The JKOM ADL score (17/40) and the osteophyte score (30/98) showed relative risks (RR) of 2.61 (1.32–5.15) and 3.01 (1.39–6.52) for undergoing TKA, respectively.

Conclusion: The osteophyte score detected by MRI, in addition to ADL score, was found to be an important factor in determining whether the patient should undergo TKA.     

Determinants of willingness to pay for hip and knee joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients with osteoarthritis (OA) would be willing to pay for joint replacement and whether patient characteristics or health outcomes, including pain, physical function and health-related quality of life, were related to willingness to pay (WTP). METHODS: Patients who had undergone primary total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) for OA completed a disease-specific questionnaire (Western Ontario and McMaster: WOMAC index), a generic measure of health status (Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36: SF-36) and an Evaluation Questionnaire to measure WTP and satisfaction with the replacement. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 109 (77%) THR patients and 129 (72%) TKR patients. Mean age of respondents was 67 yr for THR (47% female) and 73 yr for TKR (60% female). Overall, 85% of patients responded to the WTP question. Of the THR patients, 71% were willing to pay something, 11% were not willing to pay anything and 18% did not answer the question. For TKR patients these figures were 70, 16 and 14% respectively. However, of those who responded to the WTP question, only 25% of the THR patients and 18% of the TKR patients indicated they would be willing to pay the actual current average cost of the operation in Australia (>/= A$15 000). A lower postoperative pain score (as measured by the WOMAC index) was a significant predictor of WTP for both THR and TKR patients. Income also significantly predicted WTP in THR patients but not in TKR patients. The other significant predictors for TKR patients were older age, having private health insurance and willingness to recommend joint replacement to others. CONCLUSIONS: Willingness to pay was a measure that was understandable and acceptable to patients, most of whom were willing to pay something. There was a high correlation between WTP, good health outcomes and patient satisfaction, pain relief being the dominant determinant.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonographic evaluation of the patients with knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study

The objectives of the present work were (1) to establish the prevalence of the abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US); and (2) to compare these imaging techniques in detail. The study group consisted of 58 patients with symptomatic knee OA and 16 volunteer control subjects. Knee joint was evaluated for femoral condylar cartilage changes, effusion, synovial thickening and popliteal cysts using MRI and US. All knees with OA had cartilage abnormalities on US examinations and normal cartilage was detected in less than 3% of these knees by MRI. Majority of the knees with OA had effusion using US (70%) or MRI (85%). Synovial thickening observed on US (34%) and MRI (50%) were common in the knees with OA. Popliteal cysts were detected in 40% of the knees with OA using US and 35% using MRI. This study confirmed that there was a significant correlation between the MRI and US techniques for evaluating the cartilage and soft tissue changes in the patients with knee OA. There were more significant differences between the controls and the symptomatic knees which had Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade 2 or more OA for the cartilage and soft tissue abnormalities on MRI and US. The prevalence of cartilage changes, effusion, synovial thickening and popliteal cyst using MRI and US were increased as the radiographic grade of OA increased. US examinations could be an alternative to initial evaluation tool to MRI in patients with knee OA.     

Effusion attenuates the effect of synovitis on radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study

Clinical Rheumatology - An exploratory study to determine the role of effusion, i.e., fluid in the joint, in pain, and radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Distal and...     

The relationship between cartilage loss on magnetic resonance imaging and radiographic progression in men and women with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between radiographic progression of joint space narrowing and cartilage loss on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to investigate the location of MRI-based cartilage loss in the knee and its relation to radiographic progression. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-four men and women (mean age 66 years) were studied. Radiographs and MRI of the more symptomatic knee were obtained at baseline and at 15- and 30-month followup. Radiographs of the knee (with weight-bearing) were read for joint space narrowing (scale 0-3), with progression defined as any worsening in score. We used a semiquantitative method to score cartilage morphology in all 5 regions of the tibiofemoral joint, and defined cartilage loss as an increase in score (scale 0-4) at any region. We examined the relationship between progression of joint space narrowing on radiographic images and cartilage loss on MRI, using a generalized estimating equation proportional odds logistic regression, adjusted for baseline cartilage score, age, body mass index, and sex. The medial and lateral compartments were analyzed separately. RESULTS: In the medial compartment, 104 knees (46%) had cartilage loss detected by MRI. The adjusted odds ratio was 3.7 (95% confidence interval 2.2-6.3) for radiographic progression being predictive of cartilage loss on MRI. However, there was still a substantial proportion of knees (80 of 189 [42%]) with cartilage loss visible on MRI when no radiographic progression was apparent. Cartilage loss occurred frequently in the central regions of the femur and tibia as well as the posterior femur region, but radiographic progression was less likely to be observed when posterior femur regions showed cartilage loss. Radiographic progression appeared specific (91%) but not sensitive (23%) for cartilage loss. Overall findings were similar for the lateral compartment. CONCLUSION: While our results provide longitudinal evidence that radiographic progression of joint space narrowing is predictive of cartilage loss assessed on MRI, radiography is not a sensitive measure, and if used alone, will miss a substantial proportion of knees with cartilage loss.     

A randomized,controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery versus closed-needle joint lavage for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Objective. To compare arthroscopic surgery and closed-needle joint lavage for patients with non—end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee under controlled, experimental conditions. Methods. Thirty-two subjects who met specific clinical, radiologic, medical, and rehabilitation criteria were randomized to receive arthroscopic surgery (n = 18) or joint lavage (n = 14). Outcome measures evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 12 months of followup included 3 standard clinical parameters, self-reported pain and functional status (by the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales), 50-foot walk time, 2 global scales, and direct and indirect medical costs. Results. At 3 months of followup, there were no significant between-group differences in pain, self-reported and observed functional status, and patient and “blinded” physician global assessments. The arthroscopic procedure cost $3,840 more than did closedneedle joint lavage. After 1 year, there were no between-group differences in medication costs, utilization of medical services, or indirect costs related to employment or use of household help. After 1 year, 44% of subjects who underwent arthroscopy reported improvement and 58% of subjects who underwent joint lavage improved. Patients with tears of the anterior two-thirds of the medial meniscus or any lateral meniscus tear had a higher probability of improvement (by “blinded” physician assessment) after arthroscopic surgery (0.63) than did patients with other intraarticular pathology (0.20). Conclusion. The search for and removal of soft tissue abnormalities via arthroscopic surgery does not appear justified for all patients with non—end-stage OA of the knee who fail to respond to conservative therapy, but it may be beneficial for certain subgroups.     

Associations between serum IL-8 and knee symptoms,joint structures,and cartilage or bone biomarkers in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Clinical Rheumatology - The aim of this study was to investigate cross-sectional associations between serum levels of IL-8 and the above outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total...     

Pilot study of the effects of a heat-retaining knee sleeve on joint pain, stiffness, and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To identify changes in joint pain, stiffness, and functional ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) after use of a knee sleeve that prevents loss of body heat by the joint. METHODS: Subjects with symptomatic knee OA (n = 52) were randomized to 2 treatment groups: verum sleeve (specially fabricated to retain body heat) or placebo sleeve (standard cotton/elastane sleeve). Subjects wore the sleeve over the more painful OA knee for at least 12 hours daily for 4 weeks. Pain, stiffness, and functional impairment (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) in the index knee were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of wear, after which sleeve use was discontinued. Telephone followup interviews were conducted 2 and 4 weeks later. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of sleeve wear, subjects in the active treatment group reported a 16% decrease in mean WOMAC pain score relative to baseline (P = 0.001). Those who wore the placebo sleeve reported a 9.7% decrease from baseline (P = 0.002). The difference between treatment groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). However, it was found that the 12 subjects who believed correctly that they had received the verum sleeve reported a highly significant decrease in WOMAC pain score (-27.5% relative to baseline, P = 0.0001). In comparison, subjects who received the verum sleeve but believed they had received the placebo sleeve exhibited only a marginally significant improvement in pain (-13.0% relative to baseline, P = 0.07). In the placebo group, the modest improvement in pain scores appeared unrelated to the subject's impression of the type of sleeve worn. CONCLUSION: This pilot study was insufficiently powered to be a definitive trial of the heat-retaining sleeve. Given the magnitude of changes in knee pain in the active treatment group, heat retention merits further scientific investigation as a treatment modality for patients with knee OA.     

神经损伤标志物与老年患者心脏瓣膜置换术后谵妄的相关性

探讨血浆中神经损伤标志物与老年患者心脏瓣膜置换术后谵妄发生的相关性。方法 将2018年12月至2019年12月在西部战区总医院住院并择期行心脏瓣膜置换手术的老年患者共109例纳入本研究。术后在监护室采用重症监护意识紊乱评估法评估谵妄。对比手术前后患者血浆中神经损伤标志物神经元特异性烯醇酶(NSE)和S100β的表达变化。患者基线资料,采用单因素和多因素logistic回归分析,明确NSE和S100β与谵妄发生的关系及其他谵妄的危险因素。结果 老年患者心脏瓣膜置换术后谵妄发生率为30.3％(33/109)。术后血浆中NSE和S100β水平均较术前明显升高(均P＜0.01)。多因素logistic回归分析表明:糖尿病(OR=1.76,95%CI 1.02~2.61;P=0.04)、机械通气时间(OR=3.11,95%CI 1.29~7.52;P＜0.01)、NSE浓度(OR=5.94,95%CI 1.53~12.04;P＜0.01)及S100β浓度(OR=5.11,95%CI 1.38~10.14;P＜0.01)是谵妄发生的危险因素。结论 神经损伤标志物NSE和S100β浓度与老年患者心脏瓣膜置换术后谵妄密切相关,血浆NSE和S100β浓度的升高可能是谵妄发生的有效预测因子。     

短暂性脑缺血发作患者ABCD~2评分与磁共振弥散加权成像的相关性研究

目的研究ABCD~2评分结合磁共振弥散加权成像(diffusion-weighted imaging,DWI)对短暂性脑缺血发作(trsnsient ischemic attack,TIA)患者继发脑梗死的评估价值。方法选择TIA患者162例,根据ABCD~2评分分为低危组29例、中危组87例及高危组46例,又根据DWI结果分为DWI阳性组73例和DWI正常组89例。结合DWI检查结果和其他临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果与低危组比较,中、高危组7、30、90 d继发脑梗死明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。与DWI正常组比较,DWI阳性组TIA发作次数≥3次、症状持续时间≥1 h、失语和(或)运动障碍、心房颤动、纤维蛋白原、C反应蛋白以及中重度颈动脉狭窄明显增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。DWI阳性组7、30、90 d继发脑梗死较DWI正常组明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 ABCD~2评分对预测TIA后继发脑梗死的风险有较高的准确性,结合DWI检查结果 ,对其风险的评估,将会进一步提高。     

Effect of a novel insole on the subtalar joint of patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a lateral wedge insole with elastic strapping of the subtalar joint for conservative treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: The efficacy of a novel insole with elastic subtalar strapping and a traditional shoe insert wedge insole was compared. Ninety female outpatients with OA of the knee were treated with wedge insoles for 8 weeks. Randomization was performed according to birth date. Standing radiographs with unilateral insole use were used to analyze the femorotibial and talar tilt angles for each patient with and without their respective insole. Visual analog scale (VAS) score for subjective knee pain at the final assessment was compared with that at baseline in both groups. RESULTS: Participants wearing the elastically strapped insole (n = 46) had significantly decreased femorotibial angle (p < 0.0001) and talar tilt angle (p = 0.005) and significantly improved VAS pain score (p = 0.045) in comparison with baseline assessments. These significant differences were not found in the group with the inserted insole (n = 44). CONCLUSION: The novel strapped insole leads to valgus angulation of the talus, resulting in correction of the femorotibial angle in patients with knee OA with varus deformity, and may have a therapeutic effect similar to that of high tibial osteotomy.     

Bone marrow abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging are associated with type II collagen degradation in knee osteoarthritis: a three-month longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: Using radiography to assess the efficacy of a disease-modifying osteoarthritis (OA) drug on joint structure is challenging. Subchondral bone marrow abnormalities determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urinary excretion of C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) have recently been shown to be predictors of radiographic progression in patients with knee OA, suggesting that these may represent valuable biomarkers with increased sensitivity compared with findings on radiography. The aims of this investigation were to analyze, in patients with knee OA, whether the values associated with these 2 OA biomarkers can change within 3 months, and to investigate the relationships between bone marrow abnormalities and CTX-II. METHODS: Knee MRI scans were obtained in 377 patients with painful knee OA (76% women, mean age 63 years, mean disease duration 6.6 years) at both baseline and 3 months. The femoral and tibial condyles and the patella were divided into 8 sites for the scoring of bone marrow abnormalities. A bone marrow abnormality was defined as an area of increased signal on T2-weighted images of the subchondral bone. All scans were reviewed centrally and scored by a single trained radiologist using a validated 4-point scoring method. Fasting urine and serum samples were also collected from all patients at baseline, month 1, month 2, and month 3, in order to measure the levels of urinary CTX-II and serum CTX-I, a biochemical marker of bone resorption. RESULTS: At baseline, 82% of patients had MRI evidence of bone marrow abnormalities. Bone marrow abnormality scores correlated significantly with CTX-II levels (P < 0.0001). Within 3 months, the bone marrow abnormality score decreased in 37 patients (9.8%), increased in 71 patients (18.8%), and did not change in the majority of patients (71.4%). Patients with baseline urinary CTX-II levels in the highest tertile had a relative risk of 2.4 (95% confidence interval 1.1-5.0) of worsening bone marrow abnormalities at 3 months compared with patients with levels in the lowest tertile, after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. In patients who showed a decrease in the bone marrow abnormality score at 3 months, urinary CTX-II levels decreased significantly (mean -75 ng/mmole creatinine), whereas levels increased (mean +23 ng/mmole creatinine) in patients showing an increase in the bone marrow abnormality score (P = 0.01 between the 2 groups). No significant association between bone marrow abnormalities and serum CTX-I was observed. CONCLUSION: In patients with painful knee OA, bone marrow abnormalities on MRI can change within only 3 months in approximately 30% of patients. Reduction in the extent of bone marrow abnormalities is associated with a decrease in cartilage degradation.     

Total joint replacement improves pain,functional quality of life,and health utilities in patients with late-stage knee and hip osteoarthritis for up to 5 years

Clinical Rheumatology - To study and identify the determinants of the impact on pain, function, and quality of life of a prosthetic replacement surgery after 5 years of survival in patients with...