The disability associated with hand osteoarthritis is substantial in a cohort of post-menopausal women: the QUALYOR study

Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis: Recent Advances and Future Treatments

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA) is an aggressive form of hand osteoarthritis that leads to significant disability, and recent data suggests that it is increasing in prevalence. This review provides an update of our current understanding of epidemiology, genetic associations, biomarkers, pathogenesis, and treatment of EHOA, with particular focus on studies published within the last 5 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

New studies of EHOA have identified new genetic loci associated with disease, including variants in genes involved in inflammation and bone remodeling. Preclinical studies implicate pathways of innate immunity, including some that may be causal in the condition. Recent novel studies showed that inflammatory features identified by ultrasound and MRI are associated with development of erosive lesions over time on conventional radiography. In the future, these imaging modalities may be useful in identifying patients at risk of adverse outcomes. Promising new findings in genetics, biomarkers, and treatment targets will hopefully allow for future therapeutic options for this debilitating condition.

Evaluation of Osteoarthritis Disease Burden in China During 1990-2019 and Forecasting Its Trend Over the Future 25 Years

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the temporal trend of osteoarthritis (OA) burden in China by age, sex, and joint sites from 1990 to 2019 and predict the long-term trend over the next 25 years.

METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we estimated incident cases, prevalent cases, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of OA, and DALYs of OA attributed to high body mass index (BMI), as well as corresponding age-standardized rates (ASRs) for aforementioned indicies. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and Nordpred age-period-cohort model were used to describe temporal trend changes and predict future disease burden.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, the ASR of OA incidence increased from 472.53 per 100,000 to 509.84 per 100,000 people (EAPC: 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.44); the ASR of OA prevalence increased from 5,880.58 per 100,000 to 6,330.06 per 100,000 people (EAPC 0.35, 95% CI 0.28-0.42); the ASR of OA DALYs increased from 206.38 per 100,000 to 224.78 per 100,000 people (EAPC 0.40, 95% CI 0.32-0.48). The ASR of OA DALYs attributed to high BMI increased rapidly, especially in men and patients with hip OA. Projections suggest an increasing trend in the incidence, prevalence, and DALYs of OA from 2019 to 2044, with the prevalent cases and DALYs of OA in China expected to increase by approximately 1.5 times over the next 25 years.

CONCLUSION

The disease burden of OA has increased in China over the past 30 years and is expected to continue rising over the next 25 years.

Features of Knee and Multijoint Osteoarthritis by Sex and Race and Ethnicity: A Preliminary Analysis in the Johnston County Health Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and multijoint osteoarthritis (MJOA), and to compare features by sex and race and ethnicity in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

Participants (n = 544) enrolled in the Johnston County Health Study (JoCoHS) as of January 2023 were categorized by radiographic and symptomatic KOA and MJOA phenotypes, and frequencies were compared by sex and race and ethnicity. Symptoms were assessed according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and pain, aching, and stiffness (PAS) scores at various joints. Models produced estimates (odds ratio [OR] or mean ratios [MR] and 95% CI) adjusted for age, BMI (kg/m2), and education.

RESULTS

Men had twice the odds of having MJOA-6 (≥ 3 lower extremity joints affected); there were no significant differences in MJOA phenotypes by race and ethnicity. Women had 50% higher odds of having KOA or having various features of KOA. Women reported significantly worse KOOS Symptoms scores (MR 1.25). Black participants had higher odds of more severe KOA (OR 1.47), subchondral sclerosis (OR 2.06), and medial tibial osteophytes (OR 1.50). Black participants reported worse KOOS Symptoms than White participants (MR 1.18). Although not statistically significant, Hispanic participants (vs non-Hispanic participants) appeared to have lower odds of radiographic changes but reported worse symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary findings in the diverse JoCoHS cohort suggest more lower extremity- predominant MJOA in men compared to women. Women and Black participants had more KOA features and more severe symptoms. Hispanic participants appear to have higher pain and symptoms scores despite having fewer structural changes. Studies in diverse populations are needed to understand the burden of OA.