Outcome analysis of total knee-replacements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus osteoarthritis

A total of 524 knees underwent a primary PCA knee arthroplasty between 1982 and 1989. Of these 415 suffered from osteoarthritis (OA) and 61 from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They were analyzed for differences regarding the outcome. Neither survivorhsip analysis nor number or type of revisons revealed statistical differences among these two groups. The knee score rose in the OA group from a median of 28 to 89 points after 1 year and then dropped to 87 points between 54 and 118 months. In the RA group the median of the knee score rose from a preoperative value of 21 points to 90 points after 1 year but then dropped to 77 points at the most recent followup. This development was probably the result of general progression of the disease. Even in the RA group the rating was still good at the latest follow-up. Regarding the benefit of such a procedure in a polyarticular disease and its preservation over a long period of time, total knee arthroplasty can be recommended for patients with RA, and preferably the cemented version.     

膝关节骨性关节炎与类风湿性关节炎患者骨小梁的显微结构分析

[目的]通过显微计算机断层扫描(micro-computed tomography,Micro-CT)检测胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁显微结构,分析膝关节骨性关节炎(osteoarthritis,OA)与类风湿性关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者骨小梁的显微结构。[方法]收集人工全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)中截取的OA及RA患者胫骨平台,用Micro-CT扫描标本的内、外侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁,获得显微结构参数进行分析比较。[结果]膝关节骨性关节炎患者内侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁的骨体积分数(BV/TV)、骨小梁厚度(Tb.Th)、骨小梁数目(Tb.N)大于类风湿性关节炎内侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁,骨表面积体积比(BS/BV)、骨小梁间隔(Tb.Sp)、结构模型指数(SMI)、各项异性的程度(DA)则小于类风湿性关节炎内侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁;而外侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁,骨性关节炎的BS/BV、Tb.Th、Tb.N大于类风湿性关节炎,Tb.Sp和DA则相反。膝关节骨性关节炎内侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁的BV/TV、Tb.Th、Tb.N大于其外侧,BS/BV、Tb.Sp、SMI小于其外侧。而类风湿性关节炎内侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁的BV/TV、Tb.Th小于其外侧。BS/BV、SMI、DA与其他显微结构参数间存在着相关关系。[结论]膝关节骨性关节炎与类风湿性关节炎及两种疾病的内、外侧胫骨平台软骨下骨小梁显微结构存在差异,这对人工膝关节假体的力学环境分析有一定的指导作用。     

Chondrogenic differentiation of human subchondral progenitor cells is affected by synovial fluid from donors with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Microfracture is a first-line treatment option for cartilage repair. In microfracture, subchondral mesenchymal cortico-spongious progenitor cells (CSP) enter the defect and form cartilage repair tissue. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of joint disease conditions on the in vitro chondrogenesis of human CSP.

Methods

CSP were harvested from the subchondral bone marrow. CSP characterization was performed by analysis of cell surface antigen pattern and by assessing the chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential, histologically. To assess the effect of synovial fluid (SF) on chondrogenesis of CSP, micro-masses were stimulated with SF from healthy (ND), osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis donors (RA) without transforming growth factor beta 3.

Results

CSP showed the typical cell surface antigen pattern known from mesenchymal stem cells and were capable of osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. In micro-masses stimulated with SF, histological staining as well as gene expression analysis of typical chondrogenic marker genes showed that SF from ND and OA induced the chondrogenic marker genes aggrecan, types II and IX collagen, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and link protein, compared to controls not treated with SF. In contrast, the supplementation with SF from RA donors decreased the expression of aggrecan, type II collagen, COMP and link protein, compared to CSP treated with SF from ND or OA.

Conclusion

These results suggest that in RA, SF may impair cartilage repair by subchondral mesenchymal progenitor cells in microfracture, while in OA, SF may has no negative, but a delaying effect on the cartilage matrix formation.     

Septic arthritis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

There is an increasing number of rheumatoid patients who get septic arthritis. Chronic use of steroids is one of the important predisposing factors. The clinical picture of septic arthritis is different in immunocompromised patients like patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis and management are discussed in this review article.     

Association of microRNAs genes polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis in Egyptian female patients

ObjectiveTo investigate whether miRNA-499 (rs3746444) and miRNA-146a (rs2910164) genes polymorphisms are independent factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Egyptians, and whether they influence disease severity and activity.MethodsTwo hundred and seventeen RA patients and 245 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Polymorphisms of miRNA-146a and miRNA-499 genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).ResultsThe miRNA-499 CT genotype was an independent factor of RA. The miRNA-499 CT, CC genotypes and C allele frequencies were significantly increased in erosive RA group. Moreover, the heterozygote CT had more severe and more active form of the disease compared with homozygote CC or TT. However, we did not find any significant association of miRNA-146a polymorphism with RA risk, severity, and activity.ConclusionThe miRNA-499 polymorphism is an independent factor of RA, and influences disease severity and activity.     

The efficacy of intra-articular analgesia after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in patients with osteoarthritis

The pain relief provided by intra-articular injection of morphine plus bupivacaine after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) plus partial synovectomy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was compared with pain relief after TKA alone in patients with osteoarthritis. There were lower pain scores, a much smaller requirement for systemic analgesics, longer duration until the first requirement of systemic analgesics, and improvement in the range of motion of the knee joint in the patients who received intra-articular injection of analgesics. There was more pronounced postoperative analgesia in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in the patients with osteoarthritis in the study groups that received intra-articular injection of analgesics.     

男性类风湿关节炎患者骨量减低的相关研究

目的探讨男性类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthriti,RA)患者骨量减低的相关情况及合并骨质疏松的危险因素。方法收集2013年8月至2019年5月在苏州大学附属常州市肿瘤医院诊治的男性类风湿关节炎患者38例,年龄(64. 39±9. 44)岁,对照组为40例健康正常人群,年龄(63. 53±8. 14)岁。通过双光能X线骨密度仪测定正位腰椎(L1～4)及左侧股骨近端(包括FN、Troch、Ward、Total)骨密度;运用电化学发光免疫分析法检测BAP、BGP、CTX;记录RA患者的ESR、CRP、关节肿胀及压痛数、RF以及CCP等情况。分析比较两组骨密度及骨生化指标的差异,并采用单因素分析和多因素Logistic回归分析调查类风湿关节炎患者合并骨质疏松的危险因素。结果两组间年龄、体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)差异无统计学意义(P0. 05)。类风湿关节炎组左侧股骨颈、整体髋骨BMD测量值较对照组减低(P0. 05);且类风湿关节炎组骨量减少、骨质疏松发生率较对照组显著增高(P0. 05);在骨生化指标方面,类风湿关节炎组CTX水平高于对照组(P0. 05)。单因素分析显示BMI、CRP、DAS28-ESR及CTX与男性类风湿关节炎患者继发骨质疏松相关(P0. 05);多因素Logistic回归分析显示,BMI 18. 5 kg/m2(OR=0. 014),DAS28-ESR5. 1(OR=21. 433)及CTX0. 7 ng/m L(OR=25. 875)是男性类风湿关节炎继发骨质疏松的独立危险因素(P0. 05)。结论男性类风湿关节炎患者同样易合并骨质疏松的发生,BMI、DAS28及CTX等危险因素应高度重视。     

Synovial fluid osmolality in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

The osmolality of synovial fluid aspirated from the knees of 15 rheumatoid and 15 osteoarthritic patients was observed concurrently with the same measurement on blood serum. The group averages were compared to a group of 13 with identical apparati. Synovial fluid osmolality in rheumatoid arthritics (280 +/- 7.7 mmol/kg) was significantly different from that in osteoarthritics (297 +/- 16.9 mmol/kg), and both group averages were significantly different from normal (404 +/- 57 mmol/kg). Blood serum osmolality also differed between the normal and the two arthritic groups. The potential application of vapor pressure osmometry techniques in the diagnosis and management of joint disease is discussed.     

Roles of osteoclast-associated receptor in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a member of the leukocyte receptor complex (LRC)-encoded protein family, which is characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains. OSCAR recognizes collagen and was first identified as a co-stimulatory receptor that is needed for complete osteoclast differentiation. However, it is now clear that OSCAR is also expressed by multiple immune cells that participate in many innate and adaptive immune cell activities. We also showed recently that chondrocytes express OSCAR. Our and other studies suggest that OSCAR participates in the pathogenesis of two common joint diseases, namely, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Specifically, OSCAR promotes osteoclast formation and therefore bone erosion in RA while in OA, it triggers chondrocyte death, thereby inducing cartilage fragility. Significantly, blocking the interaction of OSCAR with its collagen ligand can markedly reduce these activities in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this novel approach may have therapeutic potential for joint diseases.     

RA及OA关节滑液TNF-α水平的相关性

目的研究类风湿性关节炎(RA)及骨性关节炎(OA)关节滑液肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)差异,同时分析活动期与稳定期RA滑液TNF-α水平,探讨可否将此作为RA、OA的鉴别指标及活动期与稳定期RA病情分期标准,提供一种早期鉴别分析方法,以利早期针对性治疗.方法取8例RA患者(其中活动期5例、稳定期3例),9例OA患者,10例年轻急性关节内损伤(AAT组)及6例老年慢性关节内损伤患者(CAT组)关节滑液,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测TNF-α水平.结果RA组滑液TNF-α水平显著高于其他3组,差异有极显著性(P<0.01).OA组TNF-α水平高于AAT组及CAT组,差异有显著性(P<0.05).活动期及稳定期RATNF-α水平无显著性差异(P<0.05).结论在RA和OA滑液中有TNF-o的存在,TNF-α水平在RA和OA患者滑液有显著性差异,可作为鉴别因素.TNF-α水平尚不能作为活动期及稳定期RA病情分期标准.     

Renal involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) kidney is commonly affected organ with clinical presentation characterised by proteinuria (often nephrotic range) and microhematuria followed by chronic renal failure. This condition is well recognized as a rheumatoid nephropathy (rheumatoid glomerulonephritis), which is mediated by an immunological inflammation and by nephrotoxic effects of numerous drugs usually used in rheumatoid arthiritis treatment, such as NSAID, DMARD. In the patohistological examination various kinds of associated renal lesions could be seen. The most often are amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis. In this study, we presented 15 patients, 10 women and 5 men, mean age of 60.2 with average rheumatoid arthritis duration of 19.4 years and signs of rheumatoid nephropathy. In all patients renal biopsy was performed with frequency of histopathological findings as follows: amyloidosis in 5 patients, IgA nephropathy in 3 patients, FSGS in 3 patients, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in 3 patients, minimal change disease, pauci-immune glomerulonephritis and thin membrane disease in 1 patient. In all patients (except patient with thin membrane nephropathy) we started immunossuppresive therapy with glucocorticoids in combination with cyclophosphamide or cyclosporin or azatioprine. In conclusion, in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis, parameters of renal function should be monitored and in the case of patologic results, renal biopsy should be be performed. In the treatment of RA patients with related renal disorder, suspected causal drug should be removed from the treatment and specific immunosuppressive therapy initiated.     

Intubation difficulties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background : Fibreoptic intubation has been suggested to be the best method to manage a compromised airway. This retrospective study was designed to compare endotracheal intubation with the help of a rigid laryngoscope or a fibrescope in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods : Intubation difficulties with the laryngoscope and the fibrescope in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated during a period of five and a half years. The anaesthesia records were used for analysis. The patients were divided into two groups (group I with 41 patients and group II with 37 patients) reflecting the change in the routine airway management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in our hospital from the beginning of 1993. Before that time the patients were usually intubated orotracheally under general anaesthesia, but since 1993 rheumatoid patients with anticipated difficulties in endotracheal intubation have been preferably intubated fibreoptically awake under sedation and topical anaesthesia with a fibrescope.
Results : Major difficulties in endotracheal intubations were encountered in 13% of patients in group I and in 8% in group II. On two occasions in group I tracheostomy was needed. In one of these patients, emergency tracheostomy was performed. In the latter group, the main reason for prolonged fibreoptic intubations was lack of experience.
Conclusion : The introduction of fibreoptic intubation technique has had a favourable influence on the safety in the airway management of surgical patients with rheumatoid arthritis.     

The hand and wrist in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

The approach to patients who suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) and those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is very different. Both patients with hand and wrist problems present with pain and commonly loss of function, but the polyarthritis in RA is only one feature of a systemic auto-immune disease. Over the last few years, significant advances in the biologic treatment of RA have modified its natural history. As a result, the amount of rheumatoid surgery being performed has decreased. As an orthopaedic surgeon, it is important to understand the pathogenesis of both of these diseases and the non-operative and operative treatments available. In RA, traditional procedures such as synovectomy have decreased, while the number of arthroplasties has increased in the hope of preservation of movement. In OA, there has also been an increase in small joint and wrist arthroplasty, but with varying short-term results and the long-term outcome of these interventions is awaited.     

Occipitocervical fusion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Instability and deformity of the cervical spine caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a well known entity. Operative intervention is indicated for patients with progressive deformity and when pain is resistant to conservative treatment. In a series of 39 patients who underwent posterior occipitocervical fusion with a Y plate, 22 patients were observed clinically and radiographically at average 41.5 months after surgery. In 35 of the 39 patients the main indication for surgery was pain, and in 30 of the 39 patients additional neurologic deficit (radiculopathy or myelopathy) was present. Thirty-one of the 39 patients had atlantoaxial instability. The atlantoaxial instability was associated with cranial migration of the dens in 19 patients. According to the classification of Conaty and Mongan 77.3% patients had satisfactory results and 22.7% had unsatisfactory results. Of the 30 patients with neurologic deficit, nine patients had a significant improvement. No patient had a worse result after surgery. Solid fusion was seen in all 22 patients at followup. Seven patients experienced complications directly related to the surgical procedure. Posterior fixation combined with anterior decompression in the presence of spinal stenosis represents a useful and safe method to treat instability and deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Early surgical procedures may reduce the complication rate.