Analysis of correlation between the consumption of beverages and the risk of radiographic knee osteoarthritis in Korean people: A cross-sectional study using the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1, 2).

The purposes were to analyze correlations between the frequency of beverage drinking (coffee, green tea, milk, and soft drinks) and the presence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in relation to sex. We performed this study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KHANES V-1, 2). We examined data from 5503 subjects after exclusion. We utilized the food frequency questionnaires from KHANES, and reorganized them into 2 or 3 groups according to the frequency of beverage consumption. We analyzed the relationship between radiographic knee OA and beverage consumption statistically after adjusting confounding factors with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Knee OA was inversely associated with coffee consumption only in women (P < .05). The odds ratio of knee OA was lower in those who drank at least a cup of coffee than in those who did not drink coffee in women (P for trend < .05). However, there was no significant linear trend of the odds ratio of each group in both sexes for drinking other beverages. As the coffee consumption increased, the radiographic knee OA group showed decreasing linear trend only in women. However, other beverages did not show a significant relation to the radiographic knee OA in both sexes.

Establishment of a qualified integrated care system after total knee arthroplasty as a role of regional rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis centers.

BACKGROUND: The geriatric population and advanced knee osteoarthritis are rapidly increasing in Korea, and the socioeconomic burden of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing. This study aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of patients who underwent TKA and to differentiate the factors affecting participation in inpatient-intensive rehabilitation programs after TKA in the Jeju regional rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis center established by the government. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 845 patients (735 females; 72.0 ± 5.8 years) diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee who underwent elective unilateral primary TKA between January 2013 and June 2016. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics, including age, body mass index, obesity, length of stay, OA severity, underlying disease, education level, occupation, and location of residence were reviewed. Patients were allocated to the TKA-only group (home discharge) and to the TKA + rehab group (participation in post-TKA rehabilitation). The variables were analyzed and compared before and after the establishment of the center and according to participation in intensive rehabilitation. RESULTS: Patients who underwent TKA were mostly female, in the 60 s, and had a high prevalence of comorbidities and obesity. After the rehabilitation center's establishment, the intensive post-TKA participation increased profoundly from 3% to 59.2%. Participants after the center establishment had lower mean BMI and a higher proportion of K-L grade 4 compared to those before the center establishment. The location of residence was the only factor differentiating the participation in the intensive rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The regional rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis center was appropriate to satisfy the high unmet need for participating in the intensive rehabilitation after TKA and to execute the qualified integrated post-TKA care system. Policy support should ensure the early rehabilitation and a qualified integrated care system and prepare for the increased burden of revision. Future longitudinal studies should be conducted to assess the long-term effect of the integrated post-TKA rehabilitation program on functional outcomes and patient survivorship free from revision.

Higher dietary phytochemical index is associated with lower odds of knee osteoarthritis.

Previous studies have shown that adherence to dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods may reduce the odds of osteoarthritis; however, limited data are available on the association of consumption of diets rich in phytochemicals and odds of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this case-control study conducted in Iran, we aimed to investigate whether a higher dietary phytochemical index (DPI) is associated with decreased odds of having KOA. A total of 124 cases aged 20-60 years diagnosed with bilateral primary KOA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria and 124 controls frequency-matched on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were included in the study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on dietary intakes. To calculate DPI scores, the dietary energy derived from foods rich in phytochemicals (kcal) was divided by the participant's total daily energy intake (kcal). Patients with KOA had lower intakes of dietary fiber (P = 0.004), vitamin A (P = 0.007), vitamin C (P = 0.001), and folate (P = 0.021) compared to controls. In the crude model, individuals in the third tertile of DPI had 65% lower odds of having KOA compared to those in the first tertile (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.67, P-trend = 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, including age, sex, physical activity, smoking, and supplement use, this inverse association remained significant (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.73, P-trend = 0.004). After further adjustment for BMI, this inverse association between DPI and odds of KOA also remained significant (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.69, P-trend = 0.003). These findings suggest that adherence to a phytochemical-rich diet, as indicated by the increasing DPI score, is associated with lower odds of KOA.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Association between Plasma Selenium Levels and the Prevalence of Osteoarthritis: Data from the Xiangya Osteoarthritis Study.

OBJECTIVES: Selenium plays an indispensable role in antioxidant and antiinflammation processes. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration. We sought to examine the association between plasma selenium levels and the prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA). DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged ≥ 50 years were retrieved from the Xiangya Osteoarthritis (XO) Study, a community-based study conducted among the residents of the rural areas of China. METHODS: Plasma selenium concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry. ROA was defined as Kellgren/Lawrence score ≥ 2 in at least one knee, hip or hand joint. The association between plasma selenium levels and ROA was evaluated by applying logistic and spline regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,032 subjects (women: 52.5%; mean age: 63.1 years; ROA prevalence: 45.4%) were included. Compared with the highest tertile, the odds ratios (ORs) for ROA were 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 1.68) and 1.77 (95% CI: 1.31 to 2.40) in the middle and lowest tertile of plasma selenium, respectively (P for trend<0.05). The results were not changed materially with adjustment of potential confounders. In addition, subjects who had lower plasma selenium levels exhibited a higher prevalence of ROA in a dose-response relationship manner (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that subjects with lower levels of plasma selenium exhibited a higher prevalence of ROA in a dose-response relationship manner. However, additional studies are still needed to verify the potential causal relationship.

Causal Association of Coffee Consumption and Total, Knee, Hip and Self-Reported Osteoarthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: The causal association between coffee consumption and the risk of OA is limited. This study was conducted to identify the potential causal effects of coffee consumption on total, knee, hip, and self-reported OA. Methods: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of OA were derived from the UK Biobank, comprising 50,508 participants of European ancestry (10,083 with cases and 40,425 controls), and genetic data for specific diagnosed knee OA (4462 cases and 17,885 controls), hip OA (12,625 cases and 50,898 controls), and self-reported OA (12,658 cases and 50,898 controls). Primary and secondary genetic instruments (11 SNPs and 8 SNPs) were selected as instrumental variants from GWAS among 375,833 and 91,462 participants. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to test the effects of the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the OA risk. The causal effects were primarily estimated using weighted median and inverse-variance weighted method with several sensitivity analyses. Results: The MR analyses suggested that genetically predicted 1% increase of coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk of overall OA (OR:1.009, 95% CI:1.003-1.016), knee OA (OR:1.023, 95% CI:1.009-1.038), self-reported OA (OR:1.007, 95% CI:1.003-1.011), but not hip OA (OR: 1.012, 95%CI:0.999-1.024) using primary genetic instruments. Similar results were found when using secondary genetic instruments that genetically predicted coffee consumption (cups/day). Additionally, the sensitivity analyses for leave-one-out methods supported a robust association between exposure traits and OA. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that genetically predicted coffee consumption exerts a causal effect on total, knee, and self-reported OA risk, but not at the hip. Further research is required to unravel the role of coffee consumption in OA prevention.

Comparison of the prevalence of myofascial trigger points of muscles acting on knee between patients with moderate degree of knee osteoarthritis and healthy matched people.

INTRODUCTION: Trigger points have been implicated in the development of several musculoskeletal disorders. Trigger points harbored in lower limb muscles might represent a ubiquitous source of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) in muscles acting on the knee in patients with OA. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients aged at least 55 years old with a moderate degree of OA (grade III of Kellgren and Lawrence scale) were recruited. Thirty asymptomatic people, matched on age and body mass index, were considered as the control group. Ten muscles acting on the knee joint were selected. Taut bands were also identified using a skin rolling method. A pressure of 3 kg/cm2 was used to identify myofascial trigger points in all muscles except the popliteus (8 kg/cm2). RESULTS: Chi-square was performed to compare the prevalence of trigger points between the groups. The McNemar test was administered to compare the prevalence of trigger points in the right and left sides of participants. Prevalence of the trigger points was significantly higher in patients with knee OA compared with asymptomatic people in all muscles except for right (p = 0.17) and left (p = 0.41) rectus femoris, right (p = 0.61) and left (p = 0.22) sartorius and left biceps femoris (p = 0.08). Comparison of the prevalence of MTrPs bilaterally revealed that only the right and left sartorius differed significantly (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MTrPs in the muscles acting on the knee joint is higher in patients with a moderate degree of knee OA compared with asymptomatic subjects.

Mendelian randomization study on vitamin D levels and osteoarthritis risk: a concise report.

OBJECTIVE: The role of vitamin D in OA is unclear and previous epidemiological studies have provided inconsistent results. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between genetically determined serum vitamin D levels and hip/knee OA. METHODS: Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with vitamin D levels in the Study of Underlying Genetic Determinants of Vitamin D and Highly Related Traits Consortium were selected as instrumental variables. Summary statistics of the SNPs effects on OA were derived from the Iceland and UK Biobank, comprising 23 877 knee OA cases, 17 151 hip OA cases and >562 000 controls. The control samples match the OA cases in age, sex and county of origin. RESULTS: The MR analyses showed no causal association between genetically determined vitamin D levels and knee OA [odds ratio (OR) 1.03 (95% CI 0.84, 1.26)] or hip OA [OR 1.06 (95% CI 0.83, 1.35)]. CONCLUSION: Genetic variations associated with low vitamin D serum levels are not associated with increased risk of hip or knee OA in community-dwelling older adults, suggesting that vitamin D levels are not causally linked to OA. It is therefore unlikely that vitamin D supplementation protects against hip or knee OA.

Association between Vitamin D and Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA-Compliant Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations showed inconsistent results for associations between vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis (OA). The present study aimed to make a systematic review and meta-analysis for the association between vitamin D and knee OA. METHODS: We systematically searched for articles published in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, and Google Scholar through July 2019. All statistical analyses were made using STATA 12.0 software. The Q test and I2 were applied to examine heterogeneities between studies. RESULTS: The study indicated that there were no significant associations between serum levels of 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D and prevalence, incidence or progression of knee radiographic OA (ROA), and joint space narrowing (JSN). However, a subgroup study showed significant associations of low vitamin D levels with the progression of knee OA. Additionally, the present study showed no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on knee OA. CONCLUSIONS: The results do not support that serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D are associated with the risks of knee OA, except perhaps with progression of knee OA. In addition, vitamin D supplementation may not have a clinically significant effect on pain control or structure (tibial cartilage volume and JSW) progression in patients with knee OA. Longer-term clinical trials are essential to explore the effect of vitamin D supplementation on knee OA.

Pleiotropic Effects of Comarum palustre L. in Patients with Osteoarthritis and Diabetes Mellitus with High Comorbidity Burden: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk of polypharmacy. A potential approach to this group of patients could be the use of herbal treatments influencing multiple biological pathways and aiming simultaneously at both OA and related comorbid conditions. Comarum palustre L. is widely used in traditional medicine but there is a lack of studies evaluating its pleiotropic effects in OA and DM. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate pleiotropic effects of Comarum palustre L. in patients with OA and diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: This was open-label, single-arm exploratory study on patients with knee OA and DM. SETTING: Single-center study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen adult patients (mean age 68.6 years, fourteen women, one man) with knee OA and DM. INTERVENTION: The patients received Comarum palustre L.tablets 500 mg twice daily for 28 days. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes from baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Pain. RESULTS: At the end of treatment there were significant reductions in VAS pain (effect size (ES) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 to 2.3), OA symptoms (ES 1.1 95% CI (-1.9 to -0.29), and disability (ES -0.88 95% CI -1.66 to -0.09). Treatment with Comarum palustre L. resulted in decrease in total cholesterol (TC), cholesterol ratio, and an increase in HDL-C. There was decrease of circulating TNF-α concentrations, and increase in circulating IL-10 and adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Comarum palustre L.is associated with pleiotropic effects in patients with OA and comorbid DM. These results provide a rationale for larger randomized controlled studies.

A 12 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of HT083 on mild osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis among the old population worldwide is a great concern. Two of the biggest complaints of OA patients are joint pain and inflammation. Currently, people are relying on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids to control pain and inflammation. However, long-term use of these pharmaceutical drugs has negative health consequences in the elderly, including gastro-intestinal, respiratory, and renal diseases. Natural products are receiving more attention than ever as alternative treatments against OA for their efficacies and safety. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pal and the gum resin of Commiphora myrrha have been used as analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents since ancient time. A new herbal formula composed of P. lactiflora root and C. myrrha gum resin extracts, known as HT083, has shown promising antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in a rodent model of OA. We design this study to investigate the safety and the efficacy of HT083 to prevent OA in patients with mild OA. METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. A total of 100 eligible participants will be divided into two groups and will be given HT083 and a placebo for 12 weeks in 1:1 ratio. Treatment results will be assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), Korean-Short Form health survey-36 score (SF-36), personal evaluation, and laboratory analysis. DISCUSSION: This trial is expected to provide clinical evidence on the effectiveness and the safety of HT083 as a natural treatment for mild OA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Korean Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) number KCT0004925 Registered on 2020.04.16.

The cerebral mechanism of the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture based on knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Research on the effect of acupuncture has been limited. Whether the effect of acupuncture is equivalent to placebo has been the focus of debate in this field. This study will explore the specific and non-specific effects of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS AND DESIGN: Ninety participants diagnosed with KOA will be randomly divided into the acupuncture group, sham acupuncture group, and waiting list group in a ratio of 1:1:1. Except for the waiting list group, the other participants will receive acupuncture or sham acupuncture three sessions per week for 4 weeks respectively. The primary outcome will be the response rate which is defined on an individual basis as at least a 2-point decrease in the numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain at the end of intervention period compared with the baseline. fMRI scans will be performed at baseline and the end of the intervention period to examine the response of various brain regions. The secondary outcomes will include the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), State-Trait Anxiety Scale-State Anxiety Subscale (STAI-S), and Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale (SETS). Pearson's correlation coefficient will be performed to investigate the changes in brain activity and clinical variables. DISCUSSION: The results of our study will help to evaluate the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture combined with clinical and brain function changes based on KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900025799. Registered on 9 September 2019.

Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ginger has been proposed as a complementary treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, efficacy, type, and safety remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of consumption or topical application of ginger for pain relief and knee function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. METHODS: An electronic search was performed on Medline, Central, CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and LILACS databases. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies included clinical trials that compared consumption and/or topical ginger with placebo or other interventions for the pain relief and knee function in patients with medical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. RESULTS: Seven clinical trials met the eligibility criteria, and for the quantitative synthesis, 4 studies were included. For the comparison capsules versus placebo, mean difference for pain was -7.88 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.92 to 3.85 (P = 0.00), and standard mean difference for knee function was -1.61 points; 95% CI, -4.30 to -1.09 (P = 0.24). For the comparison of topical ginger versus standard treatment, standard mean difference for pain was 0.79 mm; 95% CI, -1.97 to 0.39 (P = 0.19), and standard mean difference for knee function was -0.51 points; 95% CI, -1.15 to 0.13 (P = 0.12). LIMITATIONS: The current evidence is heterogeneous and has a poor methodologic quality. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of oral ginger compared with placebo in the pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. For other comparisons, no statistically significant differences were found. KEY WORDS: Osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, ginger, pain, randomized clinical trial, systematic review.

The Role of Pain Catastrophizing and Depression in the Outcomes of Physical Therapy in a Prospective Osteoarthritis Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Physical modalities have been safely used for decades for pain relief and for reducing physical disability in the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, patients' response to treatment is highly variable, which may be related to certain patient-related factors such as pain catastrophizing and depression. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pain catastrophizing and depression on physical therapy outcomes and to identify the baseline factors predictive of poor outcomes in patients with knee OA. STUDY DESIGN: This research used a prospective, cohort, observational study design. SETTING: The research took place in an outpatient physical therapy unit within a tertiary hospital in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with knee OA underwent 10 sessions of physical therapy. At baseline, depression and pain catastrophizing were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The therapeutic efficacy of physical therapy was assessed based on the level of pain and disability using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Changes in the VAS score and WOMAC were evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks following physical therapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of poor outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with low pain-catastrophizing and low depression scores tended to demonstrate better improvement at weeks 2 and 6. The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the significant outcome predictor for both pain and function at week 6 was the baseline PCS score. The baseline depression score was not an independent predictor of a clinically poor outcome. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited owing to the combined use of several physical therapy modalities and short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the baseline PCS score is a predictive factor of poor response to physical therapy in patients with knee OA. Considering this factor before therapy and taking the necessary precautions may improve the outcomes of physical therapy. KEY WORDS: Catastrophization, central nervous system sensitization, depression, disability evaluation, knee osteoarthritis, pain, physical therapy modalities, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation.

2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an evidence-based guideline for the comprehensive management of osteoarthritis (OA) as a collaboration between the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Arthritis Foundation, updating the 2012 ACR recommendations for the management of hand, hip, and knee OA. METHODS: We identified clinically relevant population, intervention, comparator, outcomes questions and critical outcomes in OA. A Literature Review Team performed a systematic literature review to summarize evidence supporting the benefits and harms of available educational, behavioral, psychosocial, physical, mind-body, and pharmacologic therapies for OA. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to rate the quality of the evidence. A Voting Panel, including rheumatologists, an internist, physical and occupational therapists, and patients, achieved consensus on the recommendations. RESULTS: Based on the available evidence, either strong or conditional recommendations were made for or against the approaches evaluated. Strong recommendations were made for exercise, weight loss in patients with knee and/or hip OA who are overweight or obese, self-efficacy and self-management programs, tai chi, cane use, hand orthoses for first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint OA, tibiofemoral bracing for tibiofemoral knee OA, topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for knee OA, oral NSAIDs, and intraarticular glucocorticoid injections for knee OA. Conditional recommendations were made for balance exercises, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, kinesiotaping for first CMC OA, orthoses for hand joints other than the first CMC joint, patellofemoral bracing for patellofemoral knee OA, acupuncture, thermal modalities, radiofrequency ablation for knee OA, topical NSAIDs, intraarticular steroid injections and chondroitin sulfate for hand OA, topical capsaicin for knee OA, acetaminophen, duloxetine, and tramadol. CONCLUSION: This guideline provides direction for clinicians and patients making treatment decisions for the management of OA. Clinicians and patients should engage in shared decision-making that accounts for patients' values, preferences, and comorbidities. These recommendations should not be used to limit or deny access to therapies.

[Budget impact analysis of viscosupplementation for non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis]. / Análise do impacto orçamentário da viscossuplementação no tratamento não cirúrgico da osteoartrite de joelho.

Knee osteoarthritis affects 3.8% of the world population and manifests as pain, edema, stiffness, and reduced joint function, impacting the patient's quality of life. Treatment consists of the pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical modalities. Viscosupplementation (intraarticular hyaluronate) has been proposed to relieve symptoms and potentially postpone surgery. This study estimated the budget impact of the association of this drug and non-surgical treatment (standard treatment) from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Based on the assumption that 5% of patients proceed to treatment and on the direct costs of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, the authors calculated the reference and alternative scenarios that compared the different treatment options in a three-year timeline. The principal analysis estimated an incremental budget impact of approximately BRL 126 million (U$ 32 million) for one vial of hyaluronate a year and BRL 252 million (USD 64 million) for two vials a year. Diacerein, an oral chondroprotector, assessed as an alternative, showed a budget impact of BRL 334 million (USD 86 million) in relation to standard treatment, representing a 24% cost increase compared to two vials a year of hyaluronate, making it less economically advantageous. Viscosupplementation can provide better quality of life for patients, reduce costs for the health system, and optimize the flow of care in health services. The estimates presented in this study can assist administrators in the best use of resources and thus in decision-making on the technology's incorporation.

A osteoartrite de joelho afeta cerca de 3,8% da população mundial e se manifesta por dor, edema, rigidez e redução da função articular, impactando na qualidade de vida do paciente. O tratamento consiste na modalidade farmacológica, não farmacológica e cirúrgica. A viscossuplementação (ácido hialurônico intra-articular) se propõe a oferecer alívio dos sintomas e a possibilidade de adiamento da cirurgia. Este estudo estimou o impacto orçamentário entre a associação desse medicamento e o tratamento não cirúrgico (tratamento padrão), sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Com base no pressuposto de que 5% dos portadores da doença seguem para tratamento e nos custos diretos das modalidades: farmacológica e não farmacológica foram calculados os cenários de referência e alternativos que compararam as diferentes opções de tratamento para um horizonte temporal de três anos. A análise principal estimou um impacto orçamentário incremental de aproximadamente R$ 126 milhões (1 ampola anual) e R$ 252 milhões (2 ampolas anuais). Já a diacereína, um condroprotetor oral, avaliada como uma opção alternativa, mostrou um impacto de R$ 334 milhões no orçamento em relação ao tratamento padrão, o que proporciona um aumento de 24% no custo em relação ao uso de 2 ampolas anuais de ácido hialurônico, tornando-a economicamente menos vantajosa. A viscossuplementação pode proporcionar maior qualidade de vida ao paciente, redução de custos para o sistema e otimização do fluxo de atendimento nas unidades de saúde. As estimativas apresentadas neste estudo podem auxiliar o gestor quanto à melhor utilização dos recursos financeiros e consequente tomada de decisão quanto à incorporação da tecnologia.

La osteoartritis de rodilla afecta a cerca de un 3,8% de la población mundial y se manifiesta por dolor, edema, rigidez y reducción de la función articular, impactando en la calidad de vida del paciente. El tratamiento consiste en la modalidad farmacológica, no farmacológica y quirúrgica. La viscosuplementación (ácido hialurónico intraarticular) se propone ofrecer un alivio de los síntomas y la posibilidad de un aplazamiento de la cirugía. Este estudio estimó el impacto presupuestario entre la asociación de este medicamento y el tratamiento no quirúrgico (tratamiento estándar), desde la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud. Basándonos en el supuesto de que un 5% de los portadores de la enfermedad siguen el tratamiento y en los costos directos de las modalidades tanto farmacológica, como no farmacológica, se calcularon los escenarios de referencia y alternativos que compararon las diferentes opciones de tratamiento para un horizonte temporal de tres años. El análisis principal estimó un impacto presupuestario incremental de aproximadamente BRL 126 millones (1 ampolla anual) y BRL 252 millones (2 ampollas anuales). En el caso de la diacereína, un condroprotector oral, evaluado como una opción alternativa, mostró un impacto de BRL 334 millones en el presupuesto, respecto al tratamiento estándar, lo que proporciona un aumento de un 24% en el costo, en relación con el uso de 2 ampollas anuales de ácido hialurónico, haciéndola económicamente menos ventajosa. La viscosuplementación puede proporcionar mayor calidad de vida al paciente, reducción de costes para el sistema y la optimización del flujo de atención en las unidades de salud. Las estimaciones presentadas en este estudio pueden ayudar al gestor en lo referente a una mejor utilización de los recursos financieros y, consecuentemente, en la toma de decisiones respecto a la incorporación de tecnología.

Dietary magnesium intake, serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein and the risk of incident knee osteoarthritis leading to hospitalization-A cohort study of 4,953 Finns.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether low dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) predict the development of clinical knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The cohort consisted of 4,953 participants of a national health examination survey who were free of knee and hip OA at baseline. Information on the incidence of knee OA leading to hospitalization was drawn from the National Care Register for Health Care. During the follow-up of 10 years, 123 participants developed incident knee OA. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed on the basis of a food frequency questionnaire from the preceding year. We used Cox's proportional hazards model to estimate the strength of the association between the tertiles of dietary Mg intake and incident knee OA, adjusted for baseline age, gender, energy intake, BMI, history of physical workload, leisure time physical activity, injuries, knee complaints, the use of Mg supplements, and serum hs-CRP levels. RESULTS: At baseline, dietary Mg intake was inversely associated with serum hs-CRP even after adjustment for all the potential confounding factors. During the follow-up, the adjusted hazard ratios (with their 95% confidence intervals) for incident knee OA in dietary Mg intake tertiles were 1.00, 1.28 (0.78-2.10), and 1.38 (0.73-2.62); the p value for trend was 0.31. Serum hs-CRP level at baseline did not predict incident knee OA. CONCLUSIONS: The results do not support the hypothesis that low dietary Mg intake contributes to the development of clinical knee OA, although Mg intake is inversely associated with serum hs-CRP level.

Association of Geography and Access to Health Care Providers With Long-Term Prescription Opioid Use in Medicare Patients With Severe Osteoarthritis: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the variation in long-term opioid use in osteoarthritis (OA) patients according to geography and health care access. METHODS: We designed an observational cohort study among OA patients undergoing total joint replacement (TJR) in the Medicare program (2010 through 2014). The independent variables of interest were the state of residence and health care access, which was quantified at the primary care service area (PCSA) level as categories of number of practicing primary care providers (PCPs) and categories of rheumatologists per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The percentage of OA patients taking long-term opioids (≥90 days in the 360-day period immediately preceding TJR) within each PCSA was the outcome variable in a multilevel, generalized linear regression model, adjusting for case-mix at the PCSA level and for policies, including rigor of prescription drug monitoring programs and legalized medical marijuana, at the state level. RESULTS: A total of 358,121 patients with advanced OA, with a mean age of 74 years, were included from 4,080 PCSAs. The unadjusted mean percentage of long-term opioid users varied widely across states, ranging from 8.9% (Minnesota) to 26.4% (Alabama), and this variation persisted in the adjusted models. Access to PCPs was only modestly associated with rates of long-term opioid use between PCSAs with highest (>8.6) versus lowest (<3.6) concentration of PCPs (adjusted mean difference 1.4% [95% confidence interval 0.8%, 2.0%]), while access to rheumatologists was not associated with long-term opioid use. CONCLUSION: We note a substantial statewide variation in rates of long-term treatment with opioids in OA, which is not fully explained by the differences in access to health care providers, varying case-mix, or state-level policies.

Is knee osteoarthritis related to coffee drinking? A nationwide cross-sectional observational study.

AIMS: Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages globally, and coffee consumption is increasing. Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common musculoskeletal disease in the elderly, is also becoming more prevalent. Coffee is associated with various diseases, but there has not yet been a study of the relationship between coffee and knee OA. Therefore, we investigated this relationship in elderly Koreans. METHODS: Data from 2012 to 2013 were collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included 2302 participants in our study: 897 men and 1405 women. Participants with knee OA were defined as those whose knee joints exhibited radiographic change of Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or higher. Daily coffee consumption amounts were categorized as none, < 2 cups, 2-3 cups, 4-6 cups, and ≥ 7 cups based on self-reporting. RESULTS: A multiple logistic regression model, the odds ratios (ORs) of knee OA in the < 2 cup, 2-3 cup, 4-6 cup, and ≥ 7 cup groups compared to the no-coffee group in men were 1.13 (95% CI 0.50-2.55), 1.79 (95% CI 0.81-3.97), 2.21 (95% CI 0.91-5.35), and 3.81 (95% CI 1.46-12.45), respectively. There was no significant association between coffee consumption and knee OA prevalence in women. CONCLUSION: Daily more than 7 cups of coffee drinking was associated with a prevalence of knee OA in Korean men, and although the ORs did not increase significantly across consumption levels, the prevalence of knee OA tended to increase with increasing coffee consumption.

Análise do impacto orçamentário da viscossuplementação no tratamento não cirúrgico da osteoartrite de joelho / Budget impact analysis of viscosupplementation for non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis / Análisis del impacto presupuestario de la viscosuplementación en el tratamiento no quirúrgico de la osteoartritis de rodilla

Resumo: A osteoartrite de joelho afeta cerca de 3,8% da população mundial e se manifesta por dor, edema, rigidez e redução da função articular, impactando na qualidade de vida do paciente. O tratamento consiste na modalidade farmacológica, não farmacológica e cirúrgica. A viscossuplementação (ácido hialurônico intra-articular) se propõe a oferecer alívio dos sintomas e a possibilidade de adiamento da cirurgia. Este estudo estimou o impacto orçamentário entre a associação desse medicamento e o tratamento não cirúrgico (tratamento padrão), sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde. Com base no pressuposto de que 5% dos portadores da doença seguem para tratamento e nos custos diretos das modalidades: farmacológica e não farmacológica foram calculados os cenários de referência e alternativos que compararam as diferentes opções de tratamento para um horizonte temporal de três anos. A análise principal estimou um impacto orçamentário incremental de aproximadamente R$ 126 milhões (1 ampola anual) e R$ 252 milhões (2 ampolas anuais). Já a diacereína, um condroprotetor oral, avaliada como uma opção alternativa, mostrou um impacto de R$ 334 milhões no orçamento em relação ao tratamento padrão, o que proporciona um aumento de 24% no custo em relação ao uso de 2 ampolas anuais de ácido hialurônico, tornando-a economicamente menos vantajosa. A viscossuplementação pode proporcionar maior qualidade de vida ao paciente, redução de custos para o sistema e otimização do fluxo de atendimento nas unidades de saúde. As estimativas apresentadas neste estudo podem auxiliar o gestor quanto à melhor utilização dos recursos financeiros e consequente tomada de decisão quanto à incorporação da tecnologia.

Abstract: Knee osteoarthritis affects 3.8% of the world population and manifests as pain, edema, stiffness, and reduced joint function, impacting the patient's quality of life. Treatment consists of the pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical modalities. Viscosupplementation (intraarticular hyaluronate) has been proposed to relieve symptoms and potentially postpone surgery. This study estimated the budget impact of the association of this drug and non-surgical treatment (standard treatment) from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified National Health System. Based on the assumption that 5% of patients proceed to treatment and on the direct costs of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, the authors calculated the reference and alternative scenarios that compared the different treatment options in a three-year timeline. The principal analysis estimated an incremental budget impact of approximately BRL 126 million (U$ 32 million) for one vial of hyaluronate a year and BRL 252 million (USD 64 million) for two vials a year. Diacerein, an oral chondroprotector, assessed as an alternative, showed a budget impact of BRL 334 million (USD 86 million) in relation to standard treatment, representing a 24% cost increase compared to two vials a year of hyaluronate, making it less economically advantageous. Viscosupplementation can provide better quality of life for patients, reduce costs for the health system, and optimize the flow of care in health services. The estimates presented in this study can assist administrators in the best use of resources and thus in decision-making on the technology's incorporation.

Resumen: La osteoartritis de rodilla afecta a cerca de un 3,8% de la población mundial y se manifiesta por dolor, edema, rigidez y reducción de la función articular, impactando en la calidad de vida del paciente. El tratamiento consiste en la modalidad farmacológica, no farmacológica y quirúrgica. La viscosuplementación (ácido hialurónico intraarticular) se propone ofrecer un alivio de los síntomas y la posibilidad de un aplazamiento de la cirugía. Este estudio estimó el impacto presupuestario entre la asociación de este medicamento y el tratamiento no quirúrgico (tratamiento estándar), desde la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud. Basándonos en el supuesto de que un 5% de los portadores de la enfermedad siguen el tratamiento y en los costos directos de las modalidades tanto farmacológica, como no farmacológica, se calcularon los escenarios de referencia y alternativos que compararon las diferentes opciones de tratamiento para un horizonte temporal de tres años. El análisis principal estimó un impacto presupuestario incremental de aproximadamente BRL 126 millones (1 ampolla anual) y BRL 252 millones (2 ampollas anuales). En el caso de la diacereína, un condroprotector oral, evaluado como una opción alternativa, mostró un impacto de BRL 334 millones en el presupuesto, respecto al tratamiento estándar, lo que proporciona un aumento de un 24% en el costo, en relación con el uso de 2 ampollas anuales de ácido hialurónico, haciéndola económicamente menos ventajosa. La viscosuplementación puede proporcionar mayor calidad de vida al paciente, reducción de costes para el sistema y la optimización del flujo de atención en las unidades de salud. Las estimaciones presentadas en este estudio pueden ayudar al gestor en lo referente a una mejor utilización de los recursos financieros y, consecuentemente, en la toma de decisiones respecto a la incorporación de tecnología.

Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Key Opinion Leader Panel Discussion.

With a sharp rise in the prevalence of osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) in a younger population, new management strategies are needed to preserve mobility, improve patients' quality of life, and reduce the effects of potential disease-related comorbidities. Viscosupplementation with the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is a treatment option for OAK that can provide lubrication and elastic shock absorption, leading to potential pain relief, improved function, and reduced stiffness. A key opinion leader (KOL) panel discussion was held December 3, 2016, with the objective of sharing opinions, ideas, information, and trends regarding OAK and the potential treatment and management offered by viscosupplementation. The panel concluded that viscosupplementation with HA injections presents a viable, cost-effective, and safe alternative for the treatment of OAK. DISCLOSURES: This panel discussion and report was facilitated by Magellan Rx Manage-ment and funded by Sanofi. Bert and Ruane report fees from Sanofi outside of this project. Sgaglione reports royalty payments from Zimmer Biomet and Wolters Kluwer. Dasa has received fees from Bioventus and Myoscience. All the authors received an honorarium for work on this project. Lopes is employed by Magellan Rx Management.