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Towards a definition of Ancient Rare Diseases (ARD): Presenting a complex case of probable Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease from the North Caucasian Bronze Age (2200-1650 cal BCE).
Fuchs, Katharina; Atabiev, Biaslan Ch; Witzmann, Florian; Gresky, Julia.
Afiliación
  • Fuchs K; Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Rosalind-Franklin-Str. 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany. Electronic address: k.fuchs@ikmb.uni-kiel.de.
  • Atabiev BC; Institute of Caucasian Archaeology, Kathkanova 30, 361401, Nalchik, Republic Kabardino-Balkaria, Russian Federation. Electronic address: biatabi@yandex.ru.
  • Witzmann F; Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: florian.witzmann@mfn.berlin.
  • Gresky J; German Archaeological Institute, Department of Natural Sciences, Im Dol 2-6, 14195, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: julia.gresky@dainst.de.
Int J Paleopathol ; 32: 61-73, 2021 03.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33360164
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

This study discusses the challenges and possibilities of establishing a definition for Ancient Rare Diseases (ARD) in a probable case of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) from the Bronze Age cemetery Kudachurt 14, situated in the Northern Caucasus. MATERIALS We investigated the skeletal remains of a male aged 35-45 years at death. For comparison we examined other males buried at Kudachurt 14 (n = 24) and reviewed 22 LCPD cases from the paleopathological literature.

METHODS:

We use macroscopic as well as osteometric examination methods and imaging techniques.

RESULTS:

The morphology of the left hip joint corresponds to skeletal characteristics for LCPD. Co-occurring osteochondrosis dissecans, femoral anteversion, and atrophy of the left femoral shaft suggest a complex disease course.

CONCLUSIONS:

Modern criteria of rare diseases applied on ancient skeletal remains are either non-transferable or require completion. We conclude that rarity is dynamic, etiological uncertainty has to be accepted, and the respective socioeconomic context is crucial. Degree of disability and level of sociomedical investment are not defining criteria for ARD.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Dating 2200-1650 cal BCE, this study currently presents the earliest case of probable LCPD. This is the first attempt to transform modern characteristics of rare diseases for establishing a paleopathological concept of ARD.

LIMITATIONS:

As this study is limited to LCPD, our conclusions are not directly applicable to other ARD in question. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH More focused paleopathological research on skeletal populations from different cultures and time periods is needed, enabling an evolutionary perspective on the comparability of ancient, modern and future rare diseases.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Osteocondritis Disecante / Enfermedad de Legg-Calve-Perthes Límite: Humans / Male Idioma: En Revista: Int J Paleopathol Año: 2021 Tipo del documento: Article Pais de publicación: HOLANDA / HOLLAND / NETHERLANDS / NL / PAISES BAJOS / THE NETHERLANDS

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Osteocondritis Disecante / Enfermedad de Legg-Calve-Perthes Límite: Humans / Male Idioma: En Revista: Int J Paleopathol Año: 2021 Tipo del documento: Article Pais de publicación: HOLANDA / HOLLAND / NETHERLANDS / NL / PAISES BAJOS / THE NETHERLANDS