Reliability, sensitivity to change and feasibility of three radiographic scoring methods for hand osteoarthritis

Accelerated menopausal changes as human disease model 'FOCUM' for the development of osteoarthritis and other degenerative disorders: protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of degenerative disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA), increases rapidly in women after menopause. However, the influence of the menopause is still insufficiently investigated due to the slowness of menopausal transition. In this study, a novel human model is used in which it is expected that menopausal-related changes will occur faster. This is the Females discontinuing Oral Contraceptives Use at Menopausal age model. The ultimate aim is to link these changes to OA and other degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and tendinopathies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a pilot observational prospective cohort study with 2 years of follow-up. Fifty women aged 50-60 who use oral contraceptive (OC) and have the intention to stop are included. Measurements are performed once before stopping OC, and four times thereafter at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. At every time point, a questionnaire is filled in and a sample of blood is drawn. At the first and final time points, a physical examination, hand radiographs and a MRI scan of one knee are performed. The primary OA outcome is progression of the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score. Secondary OA outcomes are the development of clinical knee and hand OA, development of knee OA according to the MRI definition, and progression of radiographic features for hand OA. Principal component analysis will be used to assess which changes occur after stopping OC. Univariate and multivariate generalised estimating equation models will be used to test for associations between these components and OA.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam (MEC-2019-0592). All participants must give informed consent before data collection. Results will be disseminated in national and international journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NL70796.078.19.

Assessment of structural lesions, synovitis and bone marrow lesions in erosive hand osteoarthritis on MRI (0.3T) compared to the radiographic anatomical Verbruggen-Veys score

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prevalence of structural lesions, synovitis and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) on MRI performed with a 0.3T imaging system in patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA) and to compare them to the anatomic radiographic Verbruggen-Veys score (VV).

DESIGN

For this Cross-sectional study, fifty-five EHOA patients were studied with 0.3T contrast-enhanced MRI and radiography (RX) of their dominant hand. Structural lesions were scored according to the OMERACT Hand Osteoarthritis MRI Scoring System as follows: osteophytes and erosions were graded from 0 to 3. On joint destruction lesion synovitis and BMLs were graded from 0 to 1. And on MRI, we evaluated the presence of several structural features: N: normal, O: osteophytic lesions, E: erosive lesions, E/O: osteophytic and erosive lesions and D: joint destruction. RX was scored according to the VV system. Relations between MRI features and VV stages were analysed.

RESULTS

MRI identified more structural lesions than RX (77.3% versus 74.8%) and particularly more erosive lesions (E or E/O) than VV Phase E (33.5% versus 20.2%). E/O and D were mostly found on MRI. Synovitis and BMLs were significantly associated with E/O and D with the following odds ratios (ORs): 8.4 (95% CI 1.8-13.6); OR: 13.7 (95% CI 2.9-21.0); OR: 15.7 (95% CI 3.2-23.5); OR: 38.5 (95% CI 9.5-57.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION

MRI 0.3T appears completely relevant for EHOA lesion analysis. First, MRI shows more erosive lesions than RX in EHOA; second, it allows for the analysis of synovitis and BMLs to be associated with more specific structural MRI features (E/O and D).

Efficacy and safety of a supplement combination for hand osteoarthritis pain: protocol for an internet-based randomised placebo-controlled trial (The RADIANT study)

INTRODUCTION

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a highly prevalent disabling joint disease. The current management regimens are limited. Potentially as a consequence, many people turn to complementary and alternative medicines for symptomatic relief. A combination of two or more supplements is common in clinical practice; however, evidence for the efficacy of this approach is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a supplement combination for treating symptomatic HOA in comparison to placebo.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The RADIANT study is an internet-based, parallel, superiority, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, two-arm clinical trial. A participatory design is used to facilitate the study procedures. One hundred and six participants aged over 40 years with painful HOA and structural change on X-ray (Kellgren and Lawrence grade (KLG) ≥2) will be recruited from the community and randomly allocated to receive either a supplement combination composed of: (1) combined supplement containing Boswellia serrata extract, pine bark extract and methylsulfonylmethane and (2) curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be 12-week change in hand pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Main secondary outcomes include adverse events, change in hand function, patient global assessment of disease activity and quality of life. A range of additional measures will be recorded, and an individual patient placebo response will be performed. The primary analysis will be conducted using an intention-to-treat approach. Adverse events will be monitored weekly throughout the study.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC No. 2018/766). Dissemination will occur through conferences, social media, scientific publications and PhD thesis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000835145); Pre-results.

Impact of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Pragmatic Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

First carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is typically understood as part of the disease entity of hand OA. However, CMC1 joint OA often occurs in isolation or is a primary source of symptoms. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of New Zealanders with CMC1 joint OA to better understand the unique impact of this condition, ascertain outcomes of importance, and identify treatment targets.

METHODS

In this pragmatic qualitative study, patients who either reported a history suggestive of CMC1 joint OA or had been diagnosed by a physician were recruited from health and community settings in 2 centers on the South Island of New Zealand. Thirty participants (11 men and 19 women, mean ± SD age 65.4 ± 11.36 years) took part in individual face-to-face interviews and kept diaries. The interviews were audio recorded, and along with the diaries, transcribed. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using a primarily inductive approach. The Health Impact Model was employed to help with interpretation of the results.

RESULTS

Five interrelated levels of health impact were identified: symptom status, functional limitations, restrictions in social activities and roles, negative thoughts and feelings, and an altered sense of self. Constant pain and pain at night were key symptoms that were associated with impact at the other levels.

CONCLUSION

Constant pain, pain at night, functional capacity, medication burden, emotional impact, and sense of self are important outcomes and treatment targets in people with CMC1 joint OA.

Hand osteoarthritis: clinical phenotypes, molecular mechanisms and disease management

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition, and the hand is the most commonly affected site. Patients with hand OA frequently report symptoms of pain, functional limitations and frustration in undertaking everyday activities. The condition presents clinically with changes to the bone, ligaments, cartilage and synovial tissue, which can be observed using radiography, ultrasonography or MRI. Hand OA is a heterogeneous disorder and is considered to be multifactorial in aetiology. This Review provides an overview of the epidemiology, presentation and burden of hand OA, including an update on hand OA imaging (including the development of novel techniques), disease mechanisms and management. In particular, areas for which new evidence has substantially changed the way we understand, consider and treat hand OA are highlighted. For example, genetic studies, clinical trials and careful prospective imaging studies from the past 5 years are beginning to provide insights into the pathogenesis of hand OA that might uncover new therapeutic targets in the disease.

Presence of Autoantibodies in Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis and Association with Clinical Presentation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether 3 rheumatoid arthritis-associated antibodies [rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) or anticarbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies] are present in hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and associate with erosive OA (EOA).

METHODS

Anti-CarP IgG was measured by ELISA in baseline sera of patients with HOA from 3 cohorts: HOSTAS (n = 510, 27.2% EOA), ECHO (n = 47), and EHOA (n = 23), and in sera of healthy controls (HC; n = 196, mean age 44.1 yrs, 51.0% women). Moreover, ACPA-IgG and RF-IgM were additionally determined in HOSTAS and HC. The prevalence of autoantibodies was compared between HOA and HC and between erosive and nonerosive HOA. In HOSTAS, hand radiographs were scored (Kellgren-Lawrence, Osteoarthritis Research Society International osteophyte and joint space narrowing) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, representing inflammation, were assessed. Groups were compared using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anti-CarP was low and not significantly different between the total HOA group and HC (6.6% vs 3.6%, p = 0.12). In HOSTAS, the prevalence of all tested autoantibodies was low (anti-CarP 7.1%, ACPA 0.8%, RF 6.1%), and there were no significant differences observed between HOA patients and HC or between erosive and nonerosive HOA. Further, radiographic damage and CRP levels were similar in anti-CarP+ and anti-CarP-, and RF+ and RF- HOSTAS patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of autoantibodies is similar in HOA patients and HC, and these autoantibodies are not associated with erosive disease, structural damage, or inflammation in patients with HOA, indicating that another mechanism is driving erosive disease.

Guidelines for the conduct of pharmacological clinical trials in hand osteoarthritis: Consensus of a Working Group of the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO)

OBJECTIVES

To gather expert opinion on the conduct of clinical trials that will facilitate regulatory review and approval of appropriate efficacious pharmacological treatments for hand osteoarthritis (OA), an area of high unmet clinical need.

METHODS

The European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal diseases (ESCEO) organized a working group under the auspices of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

RESULTS

This consensus guideline is intended to provide a reference tool for practice, and should allow for better standardization of the conduct of clinical trials in hand OA. Hand OA is a heterogeneous disease affecting different, and often multiple, joints of the thumb and fingers. It was recognized that the various phenotypes and limitations of diagnostic criteria may make the results of hand OA trials difficult to interpret. Nonetheless, practical recommendations for the conduct of clinical trials of both symptom and structure modifying drugs are outlined in this consensus statement, including guidance on study design, execution, and analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

While the working group acknowledges that the methodology for performing clinical trials in hand OA will evolve as knowledge of the disease increases, it is hoped that this guidance will support the development of new pharmacological treatments targeting hand OA.

EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in the clinical management of peripheral joint osteoarthritis

The increased information provided by modern imaging has led to its more extensive use. Our aim was to develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging in the clinical management of the most common arthropathy, osteoarthritis (OA). A task force (including rheumatologists, radiologists, methodologists, primary care doctors and patients) from nine countries defined 10 questions on the role of imaging in OA to support a systematic literature review (SLR). Joints of interest were the knee, hip, hand and foot; imaging modalities included conventional radiography (CR), MRI, ultrasonography, CT and nuclear medicine. PubMed and EMBASE were searched. The evidence was presented to the task force who subsequently developed the recommendations. The strength of agreement for each recommendation was assessed. 17 011 references were identified from which 390 studies were included in the SLR. Seven recommendations were produced, covering the lack of need for diagnostic imaging in patients with typical symptoms; the role of imaging in differential diagnosis; the lack of benefit in monitoring when no therapeutic modification is related, though consideration is required when unexpected clinical deterioration occurs; CR as the first-choice imaging modality; consideration of how to correctly acquire images and the role of imaging in guiding local injections. Recommendations for future research were also developed based on gaps in evidence, such as the use of imaging in identifying therapeutic targets, and demonstrating the added value of imaging. These evidence-based recommendations and related research agenda provide the basis for sensible use of imaging in routine clinical assessment of people with OA.

Smoking and alcohol use are associated with structural and inflammatory hand osteoarthritis features

OBJECTIVES

To explore whether smoking and alcohol use are associated with hand osteoarthritis (OA) features in two different OA cohorts.

METHOD

We studied 530 people with radiographic hand OA from the Musculoskeletal pain in Ullensaker STudy (MUST) and 187 people from the Oslo hand OA cohort [mean (sd) age 65 (8.0) and 62 (5.7) years, 71% and 91% women, respectively]. Smoking, alcohol use and hand pain were self-reported. Participants underwent conventional hand radiographs and ultrasound examination of 30 hand joints. The Kellgren-Lawrence sum score for radiographic OA severity (0-120 scale) and the proportion of participants having at least one joint with grey-scale synovitis (grade ≥1) were calculated. We studied whether smoking and alcohol use were cross-sectionally associated with radiographic OA, synovitis, and pain using adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Smoking was associated with less radiographic OA in both cohorts [β = -4.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.36 to -1.06 for current smoking in MUST and β = -0.15, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.02 for smoking pack-years in the Oslo hand OA cohort]. Stratified analyses indicated that the association was present in men only. Being a monthly drinker (examined in MUST only) was significantly associated with present synovitis compared to never drinkers (odds ratio = 2.35, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.34) (no gender differences). Neither smoking nor alcohol was associated with hand pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking was associated with less radiographic hand OA whereas alcohol consumption was associated with present joint inflammation in hand OA. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore the causal associations and explanatory mechanisms behind gender differences.

Sensitivity-to-change and validity of semi-automatic joint space width measurements in hand osteoarthritis: a follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To assess sensitivity-to-change and validity of longitudinal quantitative semi-automatic joint space width (JSW) measurements and to compare this method with semi-quantitative joint space narrowing (JSN) scoring in hand osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

DESIGN

Baseline and 2-year follow-up radiographs of 56 hand OA patients (mean age 62 years, 86% women) were used. JSN was scored 0-3 using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas and JSW was quantified in millimetres (mm) in the second to fifth distal, proximal interphalangeal and metacarpal joints (DIPJs, PIPJs, MCPJs). Sensitivity-to-change was evaluated by calculating Standardized Response Means (SRMs). Change in JSW or JSN above the Smallest Detectable Difference (SDD) defined progression on joint level. To assess construct validity, progressed joints were compared by cross-tabulation and by associating baseline ultrasound variables with progression (using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age and sex).

RESULTS

The JSW method detected statistically significant mean changes over 2.6 years (-0.027 mm (95%CI -0.01; -0.04), -0.024 mm (-0.01; -0.03), -0.021 mm (-0.01; -0.03) for DIPJs, PIPJs, MCPJs, respectively). Sensitivity-to-change was low (SRMs: 0.174, 0.168, 0.211, respectively). 9.1% (121/1336) of joints progressed in JSW, but 3.6% (48/1336) widened. 83 (6.2%) joints progressed in JSW only, 36 (2.7%) in JSN only and 37 (2.8%) in both methods. Progression in JSW showed weaker associations with baseline inflammatory ultrasound features than progression in JSN.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of progression in hand OA defined by JSW measurements is possible, but performs less well than progression defined by JSN scoring. Therefore, the value of JSW measurements in hand OA clinical trials remains questionable.

OARSI Clinical Trials Recommendations: Design and conduct of clinical trials for hand osteoarthritis

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a very frequent disease, but yet understudied. However, a lot of works have been published in the past 10 years, and much has been done to better understand its clinical course and structural progression. Despite this new knowledge, few therapeutic trials have been conducted in hand OA. The last OARSI recommendations for the conduct of clinical trials in hand OA dates back to 2006. The present recommendations aimed at updating previous recommendations, by incorporating new data. The purpose of this expert opinion, consensus driven exercise is to provide evidence-based guidance on the design, execution and analysis of clinical trials in hand OA, where published evidence is available, supplemented by expert opinion, where evidence is lacking, to perform clinical trials in hand OA, both for symptom and for structure-modification. They indicate core outcome measurement sets for studies in hand OA, and list the methods and instruments that should be used to measure symptoms or structure. For both symptom- and structure-modification, at least pain, physical function, patient global assessment, HR-QoL, joint activity and hand strength should be assessed. In addition, for structure-modification trials, structural progression should be measured by radiographic changes. We also provide a research agenda listing many unsolved issues that seem to most urgently need to be addressed from the perspective of performing "good" clinical trials in hand OA. These updated OARSI recommendations should allow for better standardizing the conduct of clinical trials in hand OA in the next future.

OARSI Clinical Trials Recommendations: Hand imaging in clinical trials in osteoarthritis

Tremendous advances have occurred in our understanding of the pathogenesis of hand osteoarthritis (OA) and these are beginning to be applied to trials targeted at modification of the disease course. The purpose of this expert opinion, consensus driven exercise is to provide detail on how one might use and apply hand imaging assessments in disease modifying clinical trials. It includes information on acquisition methods/techniques (including guidance on positioning for radiography, sequence/protocol recommendations/hardware for MRI); commonly encountered problems (including positioning, hardware and coil failures, sequences artifacts); quality assurance/control procedures; measurement methods; measurement performance (reliability, responsiveness, validity); recommendations for trials; and research recommendations.

Serum and synovial fluid nesfatin-1 concentration is associated with radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Nesfatin-1, a member of the adipokine family, has been detected in synovial fluid (SF) from OA patients. This study aimed to determine whether there is a marked correlation of nesfatin-1 levels in serum and SF of knee OA patients with the disease severity of OA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional research enrolled 202 knee OA subjects. The Kellgren-Lawrence grading system was utilized to evaluate the severity of knee OA.

RESULTS

Elevated nesfatin-1 concentrations in serum were found in knee OA patients compared with the controls. Nesfatin-1 concentrations were markedly elevated with increased KL grades. Serum and SF nesfatin-1 concentrations were both significantly associated with the disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Our investigation indicates a marked association of serum and SF nesfatin-1 concentrations with OA disease severity.

Radiographic scoring methods in hand osteoarthritis--a systematic literature search and descriptive review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the use of conventional radiography (CR) in hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess the metric properties of the different radiographic scoring methods.

DESIGN

Medical literature databases up to November 2013 were systematically reviewed for studies reporting on radiographic scoring of structural damage in hand OA. The use and metric properties of the scoring methods, including discrimination (reliability, sensitivity to change), feasibility and validity, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 48 included studies, 10 provided data on reliability, 11 on sensitivity to change, four on feasibility and 36 on validity of radiographic scoring methods. Thirteen different scoring methods have been used in studies evaluating radiographic hand OA. The number of examined joints differed extensively and the obtained scores were analyzed in various ways. The reliability of the assessed radiographic scoring methods was good for all evaluated scoring methods, for both cross-sectional and longitudinal radiographic scoring. The responsiveness to change was similar for all evaluated scoring methods. There were no major differences in feasibility between the evaluated scoring methods, although the evidence was limited. There was limited knowledge about the validity of radiographic OA findings compared with clinical nodules and deformities, whereas there was better evidence for an association between radiographic findings and symptoms and hand function.

CONCLUSIONS

Several radiographic scoring methods are used in hand OA literature. To enhance comparability across studies in hand OA, consensus has to be reached on a preferred scoring method, the examined joints and the used presentation of data.

Osteoarthritis of the hand I: aetiology and pathogenesis, risk factors, investigation and diagnosis

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand can be a debilitating condition that hinders an individual's quality of life. With multiple joints within the hand that are commonly affected OA, an individual's ability to use their hand in everyday movements become more limited. The article aims to review literature on the aetiology and pathogenesis of OA, risk factors, characteristics of hand OA and the steps of diagnosis.

Key findings

The aetiology and pathogenesis of OA, in particular hand OA, is not fully understood. However, it is known that several factors play a role. Environmental factors, such as stress from mechanical loading, especially to vulnerable joints predispose individuals to developing OA. Extracellular matrix changes in protein levels have also been noted in individuals with OA. Linked to hand OA development are boney enlargements (Herbeden's and Bouchard's nodes). Several risk factors for OA include: age, obesity, gender, smoking, genetics, diet and occupation. Various diagnostic methods include a combination of using radiographic methods, clinical presentation, a number of developed measurements and scales.

Summary

With OA having several risk factors and various causes and contributing elements, it is important to elucidate the pathogenesis of OA and determine exactly how risk factors play a role in its development. Because of the contributions from several elements, diagnosis is best when it uses multiple methods. In turn, understanding OA and making better diagnoses could lead to improved management of the condition through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Imaging modalities in hand osteoarthritis--and perspectives of conventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is very frequent in middle-aged and older women and men in the general population. Currently, owing to high feasibility and low costs, conventional radiography (CR) is the method of choice for evaluation of hand OA. CR provides a two-dimensional picture of bony changes, such as osteophytes, erosions, cysts, and sclerosis, and joint space narrowing as an indirect measure of cartilage loss. There are several standardized scoring methods for evaluation of radiographic hand OA. The scales have shown similar reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change, and no conclusion about the preferred instrument has been drawn. Patients with hand OA may experience pain, stiffness, and physical disability, but the associations between radiographic findings and clinical symptoms are weak to moderate and vary across studies. OA is, indeed, recognized to involve the whole joint, and modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be valuable tools for better evaluation of hand OA. Standardized scoring methods have been proposed for both modalities. Several studies have examined the validity of US features in hand OA, whereas knowledge of the validity of MRI is more limited. However, both synovitis (detected by either US or MRI) and MRI-defined bone marrow lesions have been associated with pain, indicating that treatment of inflammation is important for pain management in hand OA. Both US and MRI have shown better sensitivity than CR in detection of erosions, and this may indicate that erosive hand OA may be more common than previously thought.