Predictive value of MRI features for development of radiographic osteoarthritis in a cohort of participants with pre-radiographic knee osteoarthritis-the CHECK study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether MRI features are associated with development of radiographic knee OA and can be used as a predictive tool in early knee OA. METHODS: In 148 participants of the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study (mean age 56 years, 78% women), with a Kellgren Lawrence (KL) score ⩽1, we obtained semi-quantitatively scored knee MRI scans and radiographs at baseline. After 5 years, we determined the development of radiographic knee OA (KL ⩾2). We calculated odds ratios (ORs), with 95% CIs adjusted for age, sex and BMI, to identify MRI features associated with OA development. With these MRI features, we constructed an internally validated prediction model, for which we measured the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Radiographic OA developed in 28% of the participants after 5 years. Statistically significant associations were: cartilage defects OR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1, 2.6), osteophytes OR = 3.1 (1.7, 5.7), bone marrow lesions OR = 2.0 (1.2, 3.4), effusion OR = 2.1 (1.2, 3.5) and meniscal pathology OR = 2.8 (1.3, 6.3). With the combined MRI features in a prediction model, the sensitivity was 66%, the specificity 67% and the optimism-corrected area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.685. CONCLUSION: In early knee OA, MRI depicts significantly associated pathology in cartilage, bone and menisci, whereas the radiograph fails to detect these changes. Although MRI has potential for identifying patients at risk for developing radiographic knee OA, it cannot be used as an absolute diagnostic tool in early knee OA due to its low discriminative ability.

Worsening of pain and function over 5†years in individuals with 'early' OA is related to structural damage: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative and CHECK (Cohort Hip & Cohort Knee) study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relation of joint damage on evolution of pain and physical functioning in two different cohorts of early phase of osteoarthritis (OA): Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) and Cohort Hip & Cohort Knee study (CHECK). METHODS: Longitudinal data of 4-5 years follow-up (= medium term) of CHECK study and OAI were used. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities of Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to measure pain and physical functioning. For comparison with CHECK a subgroup of the OAI Incidence cohort was selected, Generalised estimating equations were used and all models were adjusted for gender, Body Mass Index, age, amount of working hours, racial background and hip pain at baseline. Finally, an interaction term was added to assess a possible differential effect of radiological progression on evolution of pain and function in the two cohorts. RESULTS: At baseline, CHECK had less radiographic OA (K&L ≥2) compared with the OAI Incidence subgroup, but at follow-up CHECK had more radiographic change (51% vs 15% ≥1 K&L point increase; p<0.001). Over 4 years of follow-up, evolution of pain and physical functioning remained fairly stable in both cohorts, however, at different levels, OAI participants had less pain and less problems with physical functioning compared to CHECK participants. Both cohorts showed the same negative effect of rapid radiological change (K&L change of 2 points) on pain and physical function. CONCLUSIONS: In participants with 'early symptomatic OA' rapid radiological change (change of ≥2 grades of K&L in 4 or 5 years) is related to worsening of pain and function.

Impact of self-reported comorbidity on physical and mental health status in early symptomatic osteoarthritis: the CHECK (Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee) study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between comorbidity (absolute number as well as the presence of specific comorbidities) and pain, physical functioning and mental health status of participants with early symptomatic OA of the hip or knee. METHODS: In the Netherlands, a prospective 10-year follow-up study was initiated by the Dutch Arthritis Association in participants with early symptomatic OA of the hip or knee: CHECK (Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee), which consists of 1002 individuals. At baseline, linear regression analysis was used to determine the influence of comorbidity on the outcome variables: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, WOMAC physical functioning, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary. RESULTS: Of 979 subjects, 67% reported one or more comorbidities. After controlling for age, gender, social status and severity of radiographic OA (Kellgren and Lawrence score), back disorders have the largest effect on WOMAC pain and physical functioning, and one of the largest effects on physical status of SF-36, besides obesity. Mental status was negatively influenced by the additional presence of duodenal ulcer, thyroid disease, and migraine or chronic headache. CONCLUSION: In early stage of OA, the presence of additional problems in the musculoskeletal system and of obesity have a negative effect on pain and physical health status. Also mental status is affected in early symptomatic OA by the presence of specific comorbidities. Comorbidity should be assessed and treated to improve the burden of illness in patients with early symptomatic OA.

Avoidance of activities in early symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: results from the CHECK cohort.

BACKGROUND: Pain-related avoidance of activities is hypothesized to lead to lower muscle strength and thereby activity limitations. Negative affect (e.g., low vitality, depression) is thought to strengthen the tendency to avoid activities. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of this "avoidance model" in patients with early symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Cross-sectional data (n=151) were used. The associations between pain, negative affect, avoidance, muscle strength, and activity limitations were modeled using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Pain and negative affect were associated with lower muscle strength via avoidance (mediation by avoidance). Avoidance was associated with activity limitations via lower muscle strength (mediation by muscle strength). There were also direct associations between pain, negative affect, avoidance, muscle strength, and activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the validity of the avoidance model, which explains the associations between pain, negative affect, avoidance, muscle strength, and activity limitations in patients with early symptomatic knee OA.

Prevalence and development of hip and knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria in the CHECK cohort.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hip and knee osteoarthritis (HOA and KOA) according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria among participants with suspected early symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) in the CHECK cohort. We also assessed whether participants not fulfilling ACR criteria at baseline develop ACR-defined OA at 2-year and/or 5-year follow up, and which baseline factors are associated with this development. METHODS: The CHECK cohort included 1002 subjects with first presentation of knee and/or hip complaints. The primary outcome was onset of HOA and/or KOA according to the ACR criteria, including the clinical classification criteria and the combined clinical and radiographic classification criteria at 2-year and/or 5-year follow up. RESULTS: Of the participants with hip complaints, 63% (n = 370) were classified as having HOA at baseline according to the ACR criteria. Of those not classified with HOA at baseline, 40% developed HOA according to the clinical or combined clinical/radiographic ACR criteria after 2 and/or 5 years. Up to 92% of participants (n = 829) with knee complaints were classified as having KOA at baseline; of those not classified with KOA at baseline, 55% developed KOA according to the clinical ACR criteria or the clinical/radiographic ACR criteria after 2 and/or 5 years. The following factors were associated with development of HOA: morning stiffness (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.14-4.98), painful internal rotation (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.23-5.19), hip flexion < 115° (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.17-4.64) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) < 20 mm/h (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.13-7.61). No variables were associated with development of KOA at 2-year and/or 5-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of persons with hip complaints not fulfilling the ACR criteria at baseline develop HOA after 2 and/or 5 years of follow up. Almost all persons with knee complaints already fulfill the clinical and/or radiographic ACR criteria for OA, and half of the persons not fulfilling criteria at baseline will do so after 5 years of follow up. Several individual ACR criteria for HOA at baseline were associated with the development of HOA at follow up. This association was not proven for KOA, probably because of the small number of subjects developing KOA in this study.

Defining knee pain trajectories in early symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in primary care: 5-year results from a nationwide prospective cohort study (CHECK).

BACKGROUND: GPs have high consultation rates for symptoms related to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Many risk factors for symptomatic knee OA progression remain unknown. AIM: To define distinct knee pain trajectories in individuals with early symptomatic knee OA and determine the risk factors for these pain trajectories. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data were obtained from the multicentre prospective Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study in the Netherlands. Participants with knee OA, according to the clinical criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, and a completed 5-year follow-up were included. METHOD: Baseline demographic, anamnestic, and physical examination characteristics were assessed. Outcome was annually assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale for pain. Pain trajectories were retrieved by latent class growth analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate relative risk ratios. RESULTS: In total, 705 participants were included. Six distinct pain trajectories were identified with favourable and unfavourable courses. Statistically significant differences were found in baseline characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), symptom severity, and pain coping strategies between the different trajectories. Higher BMI, lower level of education, greater comorbidity, higher activity limitation scores, and joint space tenderness were more often associated with trajectories characterised by more pain at first presentation and pain progression--compared with the reference group with a mild pain trajectory. No association was found for baseline radiographic features. CONCLUSION: These results can help differentiate those patients who require more specific monitoring in the management of early symptomatic knee OA from those for whom a 'wait-and-see' policy seems justifiable. Radiography provided no additional benefit over clinical diagnosis of early symptomatic knee OA in general practice.

Cohort Profile: Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) study.

The Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) study included participants with early symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee and evaluated clinical, radiographic and biochemical variables in order to establish the course, prognosis and underlying mechanisms of early symptomatic osteoarthritis. A total of 1002 participants aged 45-65 years, with symptomatic OA characterized by pain of knee and/ or hip, entered the cohort in the period October 2002 to September 2005. They were included at or within 6 months of their first visit to the general practitioner for these symptoms. An overview of measures that are included in the study can be found on the website [www.check-research.com]. On the basis of their presenting symptoms, participants were divided into two groups. Participants with mild symptoms visited the research centre at years 0, 2, 5, 8 and 10 (variable visiting group) and participants with more serious symptoms visited the research centre each year (annual visiting group). After 7 years, only 105 participants (10%) had dropped out; their baseline characteristics did not differ significantly from those of other participants. CHECK is a valuable source of information on early symptomatic OA, that allows the examination of high-quality data on clinical, radiographic and biochemical variables. The CHECK steering group welcomes collaboration with national and international colleagues. Requests for collaboration or access to data can be sent to [checkreu@umcutrecht.nl].

Identifying Trajectories of Pain Severity in Early Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A 5-year Followup of the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify subgroups of pain trajectories in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to explain these different trajectories by patient characteristics, lifestyle, and coping factors, as well as radiographic features. METHODS: Longitudinal data of pain severity (0-10) from 5 years of followup of the CHECK (Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee) study was used. Latent class growth analysis identified homogeneous subgroups with distinct trajectories of pain. Multinomial regression analysis was used to examine different lifestyle and coping characteristics between the trajectories. RESULTS: In longitudinal pain data of 5 years of followup in 705 participants, 3 pain trajectories were identified: marginal, mild, and moderate pain trajectories. Compared with the marginal pain trajectory, the mild and moderate pain trajectories can be characterized by the following baseline variables: body mass index (BMI) > 25, additional hip pain, low education level, using the coping strategy "worrying," and having ≥ 3 comorbidities. Moderate pain trajectory can be supplemented with the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale grade ≥ 2 radiological change. CONCLUSION: Three trajectories of pain were identified. Participants with a BMI > 25, secondary school as highest education level, having at least 3 comorbidities, additional hip pain, and/or whose coping style is worrying are more likely to develop a moderate or mild pain trajectory compared with those without these characteristics. In the management of knee pain in people with early symptomatic OA, attention should also be given to additional factors such as hip pain, other comorbidities, passive coping strategy, and obesity.