POS1432 ROLE OF FAT AND MUSCLE TISSUE ON QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN OSTEOARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE KHOALA COHORT

Background

The study of associations between body composition and osteoarthritis is still incomplete. While fat-related components are associated with pain in cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies are rare and the impact on other quality of life (QOL) dimensions is not known.

Objectives

The main objective of the study was to analyze the impact of body composition on the evolution of the perceived health of patients followed for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Longitudinal data from the Knee and Hip Osteo Arthritis Long-term Assessment (KHOALA) cohort, a multicenter cohort of 878 patients with symptomatic knee and/or hip OA, were used. Body composition measures were obtained from DXA scans at year 3. Only 3 of the 6 investigating centers with Lunar Prodigy Advance DXA equipment recruited patients for this study. The main outcome criteria were the changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROms) (physical functioning, pain, mental health and vitality of the SF-36 0=worst,100=best) between 3 and 7 years of follow up. Body composition variables were as follows: fat mass index (FMI (kg/m2)), percentage of fat mass and trunk to leg fat mass ratio (TFM/LFM), skeletal muscle Mass Index (SMI (kg/m2)) and low lean mass if SMI <7.00 kg/m2 for men and <5.5 kg/m2 for women. To account for the correlation of repeated measurements of the same individual, generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to assess the associations between body composition measurements and the 4 SF-36 scores. The GEE models were adjusted for potential confusion covariates (age, sex, education level, occupation, smoking, comorbidity, hand OA, number of painful joints, joint of inclusion and Kellgren grade (KL)) showing a significant association at the 0.2 threshold in the bivariate analysis.

Results

290 patients with knee and 114 patients with hip OA have been included in the analysis: women 254 (66.7%), mean age 60.3 (SD 8.4) years old, IMC 29.5 (5.7), KL grade2 135 (46.6%) for knee OA, 79 (69.3%) for hip OA.

The results of the multivariate analysis of associations between anthropometric measures and quality of life dimensions are presented in Table 1.

Table 1.Physical functionningBodily painMental healthVitalityβCI* 95%pβCI* 95%pβCI* 95%pβCI* 95%pFMI*-0.02(-0.03;-0.01)<.0001-0.007(-0.02;0.002)0.140.0012(-0.006;0.008)0.76-0.01(-0.02;0.002)0.02TLF/LFM*0.06(-0.02;0.14)0.120.03(-0.06;0.12)0.530.09(0.02;0.15)0.0080.08(0.002;0.17)0.04SMI*0.01(0.006;0.02)<.00010.02(0.01;0.02)<.0001Low LM-0.21(-0.02;0.02)0.02

Positive coefficients indicate that the outcome variable increased more for the observed group than for other participants.

*The estimator expresses the variation of risk for an increase of 1 units of the variable.

Analyses were adjusted on age, sex, education level, occupation, smoking, comorbidity, hand OA, number of painful joints

Conclusion

Increased FMI and the presence of low muscle mass (SMI) were associated with impaired functional ability, but not with pain, the associations of which disappeared after adjustment. Increased TFM/LFM and SMI were associated with improved mental health and vitality over time

Disclosure of Interests

Anne-Christine Rat Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Lilly, Abbvie, Galapagos, novartis, Consultant of: Pfizer, Lilly, Sanofi Genzyme, Abbvie, BMS, Jérémie SELLAM: None declared, Bernard Mazières: None declared, Willy Ngueyon Sime: None declared, PATRICE FARDELLONE: None declared, Francis Guillemin: None declared

EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The multidisciplinary guideline development group, representing 12 European countries, generated 10 key propositions regarding diagnosis using a Delphi consensus approach. For each recommendation, research evidence was searched systematically. Whenever possible, the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio were calculated for individual diagnostic indicators and a diagnostic ladder was developed using Bayes' method. Secondary analyses were undertaken to test directly the recommendations using multiple predictive models in two populations from the UK and the Netherlands. Strength of recommendation was assessed by the EULAR visual analogue scale.

Results

Recommendations covered the definition of knee OA and its risk factors, subsets, typical symptoms and signs, the use of imaging and laboratory tests and differential diagnosis. Three symptoms (persistent knee pain, limited morning stiffness and reduced function) and three signs (crepitus, restricted movement and bony enlargement) appeared to be the most useful. Assuming a 12.5% background prevalence of knee OA in adults aged ≥45 years, the estimated probability of having radiographic knee OA increased with increasing number of positive features, to 99% when all six symptoms and signs were present. The performance of the recommendations in the study populations varied according to the definition of knee OA, background risk and number of tests applied.

Conclusion

10 key recommendations for diagnosis of knee OA were developed using both research evidence and expert consensus. Although there is no agreed reference standard, thorough clinical assessment alone can provide a confident rule-in diagnosis.

Distal renal tubular acidosis and ovalocytosis: a case report

A 23-year-old man presented with osteoporosis, revealed by femoral fractures, and a history of nephrolithiasis, short stature, metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia and ovalocytosis, a red blood cell abnormality common in malaria endemic regions. Biological investigations led to the diagnosis of type 1 distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). Ovalocytosis and dRTA may co-exist in the same patient, since both can originate in mutations of the anion-exchanger 1 (AE1) gene, which codes for band 3, the bicarbonate/chloride exchanger, present in both the red cell membrane and the basolateral membrane of the collecting tubule alpha-intercalated cell.

Clinical and densitometric efficacy of the association of interferon alpha and pamidronate in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with systemic mastocytosis

Osteoporosis accompanying severe mastocytosis leads to numerous compressed vertebrae. We treated four patients (mean age 52 years) with severe osteoporosis and mastocytosis proven by bone marrow biopsy (more than 40 mast cells/mm3), according to the following protocol: interferon alpha (IFN) 3 million units (MU) three times a week, reduced to 1.5 MU three times a week in the event of intolerance, and pamidronate (Pam) 90 mg/month in infusion. This treatment was given for 2 years. It was followed by Pam alone at a dose of 90 mg/month. After 3 or 4 years of treatment, no patient presented new vertebral or extravertebral fractures. The mean increase in bone mineral density (BMD) with IFN and Pam was 16.05+/-6.12% at the spine, 5+/-2.24% at the femoral neck, and 4.12+/-3.03% for the whole body; the increase or loss of BMD with Pam alone was +0.2+/-2.13% at the spine, -2.25+/-2.78% at the femoral neck, and -0.1+/-3.35% for the whole body. In one patient, the IFN dose was halved because of a flu-like syndrome, and in another IFN was discontinued at one year for the same reason. The association of IFN and Pam led to a major increase in bone marrow density in osteoporosis with concomitant mastocytosis and this gain was then maintained by monthly infusions of Pam.

Do new therapeutic approaches (autotransplants, thalidomide, dexamethasone) improve the survival of patients with multiple myeloma followed in a rheumatology department?

Survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) showed no improvement between the 1960s and 1990s. During the last decade, new therapeutic approaches seemed likely to offer hope of prolonging survival. The aim of this study was to examine if this survival increased with the usage of new treatments. The method involves a retrospective study of 123 patients with MM, diagnosed between 1975 and 1999, all receiving treatment. They were divided into two groups: group 1 included 55 patients given the so-called "old treatments" [melphalan-prednisone, cyclophosphamide-prednisone, polychemotherapy (vincristine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, prednisone (VMCP), VMCP-VBAP)], and group 2 included 68 patients receiving at least one of the so-called "new treatments" (dexamethasone, thalidomide, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autotransplants, bisphosphonates, interferon). The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex ratio and renal impairment, and the percentage of light-chain MM was identical in both groups. Patients who had been given a "new" treatment (group 2) had longer median survival than the patients in group 1 (54 vs 42 months). Independent analysis of each treatment modality showed increased median survival in MM patients treated using autotransplantation compared with untreated patients (125 vs 45 months). Survival was also longer in MM patients treated with thalidomide than in untreated patients (72 vs 42 months). On the other hand, neither bisphosphonates, interferon-alpha nor dexamethasone result in improved survival. Our findings emphasize the increased survival of the MM patients treated with new therapeutic approaches.

Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of pamidronate and synthetic human calcitonin in osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a double-blind controlled study

Our aim was to compare the analgesic efficacy of pamidronate (PAM) and synthetic human calcitonin (CT) in intravenous infusion for recent painful benign vertebral compression in a randomised prospective double-blind study. Twenty-seven patients aged 49-85 years with painful benign non-traumatic vertebral compression were included in the study. They received either PAM (1 mg/kg) or synthetic human CT (1.5 mg) as an intravenous infusion. Pain and functional disability were evaluated before infusion, and 4 and 30 days afterwards. The pain score assessed on a visual analogue scale at day 0 was 5.94+/-2.47 in patients treated with PAM and 6.27+/-2.50 in patients treated with CT (p=0.74); at day 4, 4.8+/-2.80 with PAM vs 3.9+/-2.68 with CT (p=0.37); and at day 30, 3.6+/-3.13 with PAM vs 3.10+/-2.76 with CT (p=0.70). Spinal function scores were 18.21+/-3.17 at day 0 in patients treated with PAM vs 17.23+/-4.42 in patients treated with CT (p=0.69) and at day 30, 13.7+/-5.36 with PAM vs 12.33+/-3.22 with CT (p=0.68). We found no advantage of PAM over CT in a single intravenous infusion for the treatment of painful recent benign vertebral compression. Since CT is ten times less costly, its use should be preferred.

Molecular markers of cartilage breakdown and synovitis at baseline as predictors of structural progression of hip osteoarthritis. The ECHODIAH Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether systemic markers of bone, cartilage, and synovium can predict structural progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Patients with painful hip OA were treated with diacerein or placebo in a multicentre, prospective, double blind, 3 year follow up trial. The following information was collected at entry: demographics, characteristics of hip OA, and 10 markers: N-propeptides of collagen types I and III, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, YKL-40, hyaluronan (sHA), matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3, C reactive protein, C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of collagen types I and II (uCTX-II). Radiographs were obtained at entry and every year. Structural progression was defined as a joint space decrease > or =0.5 mm or requirement for total hip replacement. Grouped survival analysis was performed with time to structural progression as dependent variable, and clinical data, radiographic findings, treatment groups (diacerein versus placebo), and markers as explanatory measures.

RESULTS

In the 333 patients in whom all markers were measured, high functional impairment, a joint space width <2 mm, and lateral migration of the femoral head at baseline increased the risk of progression, but diacerein had a protective effect (relative risk = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.96). In addition, patients in whom uCTX-II and sHA were in the upper tertile had a relative risk of progression of 3.73 (95% CI 2.48 to 5.61) compared with patients with markers in the two lower tertiles.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort, combined measurements of uCTX-II and sHA were a new predictor of the structural progression of hip OA.

First line treatment of knee osteoarthritis in outpatients in France: adherence to the EULAR 2000 recommendations and factors influencing adherence

OBJECTIVES

To document adherence to two parts of the EULAR 2000 recommendations for knee osteoarthritis, concerning non-pharmacological and pharmacological first line management; and to identify factors influencing adherence to the recommendations.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 1030 randomly selected French general practitioners completed questionnaires about three unselected outpatients with osteoarthritis, and about their own practice, knowledge, and agreement with the EULAR 2000 recommendations. Percentages of adherence of their prescriptions to both parts of the recommendation were calculated, and probabilities of non-adherence analysed in relation to patient and physician related characteristics, using multilevel logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 967 physicians and 2430 patients. The EULAR 2000 recommendations were familiar to 79% of the GPs; 99% agreed with the non-pharmacological part and 97% with the pharmacological part. Adherence to the two parts was 74.8% and 73.6%, but 54.2% for both together. Factors increasing adherence to the non-pharmacological recommendation were patient body mass index >35 kg/m(2) (odds ratio 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.21)), patient's stated preference for a treatment (OR 0.43 (0.55 to 0.97)), and physician's regular continuance of medical education (OR 0.76 (0.59 to 0.98)); patient's age and duration of symptoms decreased adherence. Factors increasing adherence to the pharmacological recommendation were gastrointestinal disease (OR 0.50 (0.35 to 0.72)) and physician's knowledge of the EULAR recommendations (OR 0.75 (0.60 to 0.93)).

CONCLUSIONS

Although most physicians agreed with the EULAR 2000 recommendations, adherence was only approximately 75% for each of the non-pharmacological and pharmacological recommendations and 54% for both together.

Level of acceptability of EULAR recommendations for the management of knee osteoarthritis by practitioners in different European countries

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the level of acceptability of the EULAR recommendations for the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in practice.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to general practitioners, rheumatologists, rehabilitators, and orthopaedic surgeons in five European countries (France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy). Practitioners were asked to give their opinion on the 10 EULAR recommendations and on 23 treatment modes for KOA. Practitioners' opinions were compared with those of the expert task force involved in the development of these recommendations.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 10.4% (4204 replies). Results were similar across countries and specialties. Of the 23 treatment modes proposed, only joint lavage and intra-articular (IA) corticosteroid injections were more strongly recommended by the expert task force than by the responders as a whole, while the opposite was true for spa therapy. Principal component analysis showed: (1) some practitioners preferred "hard line" treatments (surgery, IA injections, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)); (2) there was a difference between those prescribing pharmacological (paracetamol) or non-pharmacological measures with low iatrogenicity (exercises, sticks, education), and those prescribing less well validated treatments closer to "alternative" medicine; (3) each specialist tended to advocate modes that they were most familiar with: rheumatologists were more likely to recommend IA injections and NSAIDs; orthopaedic surgeons, surgical procedures; rehabilitators, education and all non-pharmacological modes; general practitioners, spa therapy and opioids.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary approach is optimal in the management of this chronic disease with its variable course.

Bone mineral decrease in the leg with unilateral chronic occlusive arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

The links between osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis have been established by numerous epidemiological studies. Could arteriosclerosis induce bone mineral loss via ischemia or other pathological process? We carried out a comparative study of bone mineral density in both legs of patients with unilateral arterial disease of the lower limbs.

METHODS

We studied 25 patients, 22 men and 3 women, whose mean age was 62.3 years (range 35-88 years). These patients had unilateral lower limb arterial disease of at least 3 months duration with a systolic index at least 50% lower on the affected than on the healthy side. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral densities (BMD) of the femoral neck, femur, tibia, foot and ankle of the affected and the unaffected legs were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (Lunar DPXL) and the results compared.

RESULTS

Bone mineral density was significantly lower in the femur (-3.7%, p = 0.04), the foot and the ankle (-3%, p = 0.05) of the affected leg. There was a non-significant decrease in BMD of the whole femoral neck (-1.2%) and the trochanter (-4.4%, p = 0.08) on the affected side. Tibial bone mineral density was identical in both legs. Bone mineral content was lower on the affected side (-5.3%, p = 0.05) whereas fat mass and muscle mass were the same in both legs.

CONCLUSION

The ischemia resulting from arterial disease of the lower limbs appears to have a direct deleterious effect on bone mineralization.

Relevant change in radiological progression in patients with hip osteoarthritis. I. Determination using predictive validity for total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine a cut-off point above which a change in joint space width (JSW) could be considered as relevant in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) on the basis of predicted need for subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

A multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, 5-yr follow-up study was performed. A pelvic radiograph was obtained at entry and after 1 and 2 yr. For each film, the narrowest JSW was measured using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass. The absolute and relative differences between baseline and 1 and 2 yr of follow-up were calculated. We determined the cut-off points above which an absolute or relative decrease in JSW between baseline and 1 and 2 yr of follow-up could be considered relevant on the basis of the predicted need for THA during the remaining years of the study. The need for THA was categorized as 'yes' or 'no'. Thereafter, for each observed change in JSW (0.1 per 0.1 mm or 1% per 1%), the sensitivity and specificity for subsequent THA were calculated. The choice of cut-off was based on maximal sensitivity and specificity, using the graphic representation of correct classification probabilities. In this way it was possible to obtain the best measured JSW threshold with maximal true positive and minimal false positive results.

RESULTS

A total of 423 and 385 patients met the criteria for analysis using the decrease in JSW between baseline and 1 and 2 yr respectively. The best cut-off points were absolute decreases in JSW of 0.2 and 0.4 mm and relative decreases in JSW of 15 and 20% after 1 and 2 yr respectively, with corresponding ranges of sensitivity and specificity of 68-75 and 67-78%.

CONCLUSION

This work determined the cut-off above which a change in JSW could be considered clinically relevant in patients with hip OA, on the basis of predicted subsequent need for THA. For validation, similar studies should be conducted in other countries with different health-care systems.

Relevant change in radiological progression in patients with hip osteoarthritis. II. Determination using an expert opinion approach

AIM

To determine the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in joint space width (JSW) progression in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA), based upon evaluation by a panel of clinical experts as a gold standard.

METHODS

A sample of 298 patients with hip OA was selected from a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, 3-yr follow-up study. A pelvic radiograph was obtained at entry and after 3 yr. For each film, the narrowest JSW was measured using a 0.1-mm graduated magnifying glass. The difference between baseline and 3-yr follow-up JSW was calculated. Two senior rheumatologists, who were experts in osteoarthritis, evaluated each pair of films and noted whether a clinically relevant deterioration in osteoarthritis stage occurred at 3 yr compared with baseline. Interobserver reliabilities were evaluated using the kappa coefficient and proportions of agreements. Then, for each measured difference in JSW (0.1 mm per 0.1 mm), the sensitivity and specificity for MCID, defined as the assessment of expert 1, expert 2 or a combination of both, were calculated. This allowed us to obtain, from graphic representations of the correct classification probabilities, the best measured JSW threshold, with the maximal true positive and the minimal false positive results.

RESULTS

The mean measured change in JSW was -0.63 +/- 0.74 mm. Experts 1 and 2 considered the decrease in JSW to be clinically relevant in 122 (40.9%) and 100 pairs (33.6%) respectively. The proportion of agreements between the experts was 79.9%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.572. The best measured JSW threshold was -0.4 mm for expert 1, expert 2 and the combination of both; sensitivity and specificity were 0.75 and 0.8, 0.71 and 0.72, and 0.75 and 0.7 respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a change of at least 0.4 mm in the radiological JSW could be considered clinically relevant. Other studies using other sets of patients and other methods are needed for validation.

Interferon gamma gene polymorphism and susceptibility to, and severity of, rheumatoid arthritis

A strong association between an interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) gene polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility and severity has been reported in a case-control study. We investigated this polymorphism in 103 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and 130 controls. Severity of rheumatoid arthritis was measured after 4-year follow-up with a validated radiographic score. The median radiographic score in patients increased from 1 (IQR 0-4) to 11.5 (2-35) over the 4-year follow up. The distribution of IFN-gamma alleles did not differ between patients and controls, and the distribution of radiographic scores did not differ among patients carrying the different IFN-gamma alleles. We have failed to confirm the association between the IFN-gamma gene polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility or severity.

Whole body and regional bone mineral density in ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

To study the regional distribution of bone mass and look for factors leading to bone loss in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients, all men, aged 20 to 55 years and presenting with AS were studied. Four hundred sixteen gendarmes, all men aged 20 to 55 years, formed an age matched control population used to define standard values for bone mineral density (BMD) in men. The patients with AS and the controls underwent measurement of whole body BMD and regional BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

AS was associated with spinal bone loss, with lumbar spine BMD (LSBMD) 1.085 +/- 0.178 g/cm2 in the AS group compared with 1.232 +/- 0.136 g/cm2 in the control group (p < 0.01). Whole body BMD and regional BMD of head, whole spine, pelvis, and legs were reduced, although this was not statistically significant. Using standard values for LSBMD from the controls, we found that 46% (18/39) of patients with AS had Z score < -1.5 SD. Biological markers of disease activity were higher in the subgroup of patients with low LSBMD than in the subgroup with normal LSBMD, with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 29.4 +/- 23.4 mm/h versus 12.1 +/- 10.8 mm/h (p < 0.05) and C-reactive protein at 24.8 +/- 18 mg/l versus 12.7 +/- 14.2 mg/l (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AS is associated with bone loss, mainly concerning the lumbar spine, in patients whose disease is biologically most active.

EULAR recommendations for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Report of a task force of the Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials

A task force for the EULAR standing committee for clinical trials determined the methodological and logistical approach required for the development of evidence-based guidelines for treatment of knee osteoarthirits (OA).

METHODS

The first stage was the selection of treatment modalities to be considered. The second stage comprised a search of the databases of all European-language publications. All of the relevant studies were quality scored. The third stage involved determination of key clinical propositions by expert consensus employing a Delphi approach. The final stage involved ranking of these propositions according to the available evidence. A second set of propositions relating to a future research agenda was determined by expert consensus.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and forty-four studies presented outcome data of the effects of specific treatments on knee OA. Quantitative analysis of treatment effect was possible in only 61 studies. Recommendations for the management of knee OA based on currently available data and expert opinion are presented. Proposals for a future research agenda are highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first clinical guidelines on knee OA to combine an evidence-based approach and a consensus approach across a wide range of treatment modalities. It is apparent that only certain clinical propositions are supported by substantial research-based evidence. There is thus an urgent need for future well-designed trials to address key clinical questions.

Measurement of the radiological hip joint space width. An evaluation of various methods of measurement

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most relevant method of measurement of the radiographic hip joint space width (JSW).

DESIGN

Seventy hips were examined from 36 patients of the ECHODIAH study having had one to four X-rays of the pelvis during the 3-year course of the study. Minimum interbone distance (MIDc), mean width of both the whole joint space (MJSWL) and a region of interest of the joint space (MJSWroi) were measured using computerized analysis of digitized radiographs. MID was also measured using a graduated eyepiece (MIDge). Reproducibility of the measurement was assessed by the intraclass coefficient of correlation. Sensitivity to change was evaluated by the standardized response mean.

RESULTS

The intraobserver intraclass coefficient of correlation of MIDc and MJSWroi was 0.98 and 0.94, respectively. The mean value degrees S.D. of MJSWL, MJSWroi, MIDc and MIDge was 3.3 degrees 0.9, 2.6 degrees 0.9, 2.4 degrees 0.9 and 2.6 degrees 1.2 mm, respectively. MIDge was significantly larger than MIDc (mean difference: 0.21 degrees 0.62 mm, P<0.001), in both normal and osteoarthritic hips. However, the difference between MIDge and MIDc varied largely when considering topography of femoral head migration. Whatever the method was, a significant (P<0.001) mean decrease of nearly 0.5 mm was found in osteoarthritic hips over the 3 year follow-up. The standardized response mean for MJSWL, MJSWroi, MIDge and MIDc was 0.73, 0.75, 0.79 and 0.85, respectively. Superiority of MIDc, in term of sensitivity to change, was mainly seen in osteoarthritic hips showing a superomedial or a concentric migration of the femoral head.

CONCLUSION

Minimum interbone distance measured with a computer assisted method is suggested as the most suitable method for the evaluation of hip osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

Whole body and regional bone mineral density in ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

To study the regional distribution of bone mass and look for factors leading to bone loss in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients, all men, aged 20 to 55 years and presenting with AS were studied. Four hundred sixteen gendarmes, all men aged 20 to 55 years, formed an age matched control population used to define standard values for bone mineral density (BMD) in men. The patients with AS and the controls underwent measurement of whole body BMD and regional BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

AS was associated with spinal bone loss, with lumbar spine BMD (LSBMD) 1.085 +/- 0.178 g/cm2 in the AS group compared with 1.232 +/- 0.136 g/cm2 in the control group (p < 0.01). Whole body BMD and regional BMD of head, whole spine, pelvis, and legs were reduced, although this was not statistically significant. Using standard values for LSBMD from the controls, we found that 46% (18/39) of patients with AS had Z score < -1.5 SD. Biological markers of disease activity were higher in the subgroup of patients with low LSBMD than in the subgroup with normal LSBMD, with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 29.4 +/- 23.4 mm/h versus 12.1 +/- 10.8 mm/h (p < 0.05) and C-reactive protein at 24.8 +/- 18 mg/l versus 12.7 +/- 14.2 mg/l (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AS is associated with bone loss, mainly concerning the lumbar spine, in patients whose disease is biologically most active.

Increased vascularization in myeloma

Several studies have shown that the number of intratumoral vessels can predict the aggressiveness of a solid cancer, development of metastases and patient survival. Does angiogenesis play an important role in myeloma? The aim of our study was to quantify bone marrow vascularity in various stages of proliferative plasma cell disorders (monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS), stage I multiple myeloma (MM), stage III MM and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM)) and to compare it with that of patients with osteoporosis. The study included 15 MGUS patients, 15 patients with stage I MM, 15 patients with symptomatic stage III MM, 7 patients with WM, 10 patients with osteoporosis, and 10 patients with reactive bone marrow (RBM), matched for sex and age. After iliac crest biopsy, the various vessels (arterioles, capillaries and sinusoids) were labeled with monoclonal antibodies CD34 and counted, and a histomorphometric study was done. The number of arterioles and arterial capillaries was significantly increased in MGUS and myeloma compared with osteoporosis. The number of arterioles and arterial capillaries increased moderately according to the stage of gravity of myeloma. The number of arterioles is negatively correlated with the trabecular bone volume and positively correlated with the eroded surfaces.

Non-inflammatory enthesopathies of the spine: a diagnostic approach

Ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis, or hyperostotic disease, is an ossification of the entheses, the regions of insertion of tendons, ligaments or joint capsules into the bone. These ossifications create intervertebral bridges (ossifications of the common anterior, lateral and posterior intervertebral ligaments as well as of the ligamentum flavum), which are responsible for the potential signs of the disease: back and neck pain and stiffness, spinal cord compression at the cervical level and lumbar canal stenosis at the lumbar level. The bony epiphyses are the sites of bony appositions, or enthesophytes, which may compromise joint mobility and increase the risk of secondary osteoarthritis, causing hip and knee disorders in particular. These degenerative joint diseases may eventually necessitate total replacement. In this case, the risk of re-ossification around the prosthesis must be averted by the immediate postoperative prescription of anti-inflammatory medication for 1-2 weeks.

[Osteonecrosis: natural course and conservative therapy]

The natural course of Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head has yet not been evaluated sufficiently. Especially in the early forms of the disease (ARCO 0 to II) without collapse of the femoral head, useful information on the natural course could only be collected since the routine use of MR-imaging. The unspecific findings in ARCO stage I with negative radiographs are potential reversible. The "point of no return" already lies in the irreversible ARCO stage II in almost all cases. Prognosis for further progression for both early stages depends primarily on the extension and location of the lesion. Only the rare, small to medium sized lesions in the medial or central location may have a good prognostic course over a period of more than five years. The much more common large sized and lateral located lesions will have a probability of about 80% to progress to femoral head collapse within two years. Conservative therapy with single protected weight bearing has shown bad results not significantly different from the natural course of the disease. Pulsed electromagnetic fields are still discussed controversially. Until now there is no MRI controlled study available in early ON, showing superior results compared to the easy and cost-effective core decompression therapy. The extra corporal shock wave therapy has shown spontaneous pain relief in early ON. Midterm results of this new therapeutical concept are not available yet. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown to stimulate the repair process in an animal experiment. The preliminary clinical results of this time and cost consuming therapy are not convincing. Vasoactive drugs in combination with limited weight bearing may play a role in the conservative management of early ON (ARCO I and part of ARCO II) in the future. For the conservative therapy in ON several other substance are currently in clinical testing. The benefit of conservative therapeutical concepts in ON in the future can only be evaluated with prospective MRI controlled clinical studies. The use of cytokines in combination with surgical debridement and bone grafting of the necrotic area may be a possible therapeutical concept for the future.

Decreased peripheral blood T cell cytokine gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis

Currently, few informations are available about spontaneous production of T cell cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) peripheral blood (PB), because these cytokines are generally under the detection threshold of ELISAs. Because the Th1/Th2 balance could help to determine the outcome of RA, we used a sensitive and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to mesure spontaneous T cell production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma mRNAs using unstimulated PBMC from 25 active RA patients, not taking any DMARDs for at least 6 weeks, and 19 healthy controls. Spontaneous IL-2 and IL-4 mRNA expressions are significantly lower in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma are similar in the two groups. No correlation was found between cytokine mRNA levels and clinical parameters. Spontaneous IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA levels are respectively correlated to the number of CD4+ T cells and to the number of monocytes in PB. After in vitro stimulation, IFN-gamma mRNA production by RA PBMC is significantly decreased. Most of the patients cannot be classified as having a T cell cytokine type 1 or type 2 secretion pattern in PB. IL-2 and IL-4 mRNAs in PB of active RA are produced at a low spontaneous level and the response to in vitro activation by mitogen is weak.

Measurement of bone mineral density by dual X-ray absorptiometry in Paget's disease before and after pamidronate treatment

Third-generation bisphosphonates are now currently used in the treatment of Paget's disease of bone. Dual X-ray absorptiometry may make it possible to quantify the action of these bisphosphonates on bone mineral density (BMD) in pagetic and nonpagetic bone. We used Lunar DPX, a total-body software program (automatic analysis and/or manual windows according to the site and bilateral or unilateral pagetic involvement) to study BMD in 28 patients (18 men, 10 women, mean age 69.8 years) with Paget's disease before and 6 months after infusions of 60 mg (alkaline phosphatase <350 IU) or 120 mg (ALP >350 IU) of pamidronate. Before treatment, in the 28 patients, the BMD of trabecular pagetic bone was 25% higher than that of nonpagetic bone; in cortical pagetic bone the BMD was 35% higher. After treatment, the BMD of trabecular pagetic bone increased by only 1.17%. the BMD of cortical pagetic bone increased by 1.37% whereas nonpagetic cortical bone lost 0.84%, independently of the levels of parathyroid hormone or the administration of calcium and vitamin D.

Osteoporosis with lymphoid nodules and hematopoietic marrow hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

In 1983 Vigorita reported 3 cases of osteoporosis associated with intramedullary lymphoid nodules. We present 8 patients with osteoporosis and lymphoid nodules (LN) in whom we studied the clinical, biological and histological features and the course of the disease.

METHODS

Three men (mean age 52 yrs., range 43-68 yrs.) and 5 women (mean age 60 yrs., 49-66 yrs.), 6 of them with osteoporosis with fracture and 2 with osteoporosis on bone densitometry (T score < -2.5 SD) were enrolled in this study. The following parameters were studied: immunobinding with IG determination, phosphorus and calcium levels, PTH, 25 and 1-25 OH D3, osteocalcin, urinary deoxypyridinoline, histomorphometry, tests for autoanti-bodies, HIV, HTLV, EBV and CMV serology. The results were compared with those of 20 patients with osteoporosis but without LN. Five patients underwent a second BMB a mean of 2 years after the first.

RESULTS

Five patients had asthenia, 4 had joint pain and 3 had hyperlymphocytosis. Immunologic and virologic investigations were negative in all cases. Bone marrow was hypercellular (59.9 +/- 5.3 vs 40.1 +/- 13%, p: 0.001). At the second BMB, LN were absent but bone marrow was still hypercellular. In all cases, no cause of demineralization was found and osteoporosis progressed rapidly (an average of 3 vertebral compression fractures in three months, with increased resorption (ES 6.5 +/- 1.6 vs 3 +/- 1.2, p: 0.05) with decreased calcification rate (CR 0.62 +/- 0.07 vs 0.79 +/- 0.1, p: 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Some interesting questions are raised by this study. Did an undiscovered viral infection cause the asthenia and joint pain via cytokines or PTHrp in our patients, and can activated lymphocytes perhaps modify bone remodeling?

Interleukin-1beta, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms: relationship to occurrence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To test if interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-4, or IL-10 gene polymorphisms could be used as markers of susceptibility or severity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The study included 108 patients with early RA followed up for 2 years and 128 healthy controls. From genomic DNA, 6 polymorphisms in genes for IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, IL-10, and IL-4 were typed. Allelic frequencies and carriage rates were compared between RA patients and controls, between patients with erosive and nonerosive RA, and between patients with or without sustained remission.

RESULTS

The RP1 allele of the IL-4 gene was found with a significantly higher frequency in RA patients compared with controls. The combination of an RA-related HLA-DR allele expressing shared epitope and the presence of allele E2 in IL-1beta exon 5 was found to expose patients to an increased risk of erosive disease, with an odds ratio of 8.20 (95% confidence interval 2.59-25.84, P < 0.0001). No significant association was observed between polymorphisms and the occurrence of sustained remission.

CONCLUSION

This report, for the first time, indicates an association between RA and a polymorphic IL-4 gene sequence located in 5q31-33. In addition, the results show the prognostic value of a polymorphism in IL-1beta exon 5, which allowed prediction of erosive disease with a specificity of 91.8% in 42.1% of patients. Although these observations are very interesting, they have to be considered preliminary and will need to be confirmed.

[Steinert disease associated with Klinefelter's syndrome]

Hypogonadism is common in Steinert disease but may also suggest other diagnoses. We report the case of a patient with Steinert's disease who also had Klinefelter syndrome disclosed at 62 years of age by an osteoporotic fracture. Both clinical diagnoses were confirmed by karyotype and genetic analysis. The hypogonadism assigned to the Klinefelter syndrome for this patient may have influenced the clinical expression of the muscular pathology.

Rheumatoid factor and antikeratin antibody are independent from presence of DR4 or DR1 in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Presence of HLA-DR4, rheumatoid factor, and antikeratin antibody may predict severe rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate potential associations between HLA DR4, rheumatoid factor and antikeratin antibody in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 169 patients followed at the Rangueil Teaching Hospital rheumatology department for rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS

No differences in prevalences of DR4 and DR1 were found between patients with and without rheumatoid factor or between patients with and without antikeratin antibody, suggesting that the production of rheumatoid factor and/or antikeratin antibody is not dependent on genetic factors. Substantial overlap was seen between rheumatoid factor and antikeratin antibody. All three parameters can be identified at first evaluation of a patient with joint disease.

CONCLUSION

It would be of interest to evaluate the cumulative predictive value of DR4 or DR1, rheumatoid factor and antikeratin antibody at disease onset.

[End-stage renal failure following parathyroidectomy for advanced primary hyperparathyroidism]

PURPOSE

We report two cases of long-standing, advanced primary hyperparathyroidism with renal failure. After surgery the two patients presented with marked hypocalcemia and deterioration of renal function which required dialysis 2 and 3 months after parathyroidectomy. These two cases lead us to consider that renal function should be studied before and after surgery in patients operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism.

METHODS

In 19 patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism with few symptoms and without renal failure or with very moderate renal failure, blood creatinine and creatinine clearance were measured before (T1) and 1 year (T12) parathyroidectomy.

RESULTS

No significant overall changes in the following parameters were observed: blood creatinine T1 71 +/- 19 mumol/L, T12 82 +/- 20 mumol/L, CrCl T1 72 +/- 13 mL/min, CrCl T12 70 +/- 19 mL/min. However, in the patient with greatest deterioration of renal function, CrCl decreased from 45 mL/min at T0 to 33 mL/min at T12.

CONCLUSION

A review of the literature shows that in certain cases, renal insufficiency present before cervicotomy may worsen after surgery even if hypercalcemia is corrected. The mechanism is still unclear. A sharp decrease in parathormonemia and parathyroid hypertensive factor may play a role via intrarenal hemodynamic changes.

Substance P enhances cytokine-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression on cultured rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane of multiple joints. This inflammatory microenvironment allows fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) to express or enhance several adhesion or costimulatory molecules. This phenotypic shift, under proinflammatory cytokines, seems to be related to functional consequences for antigen presentation to T cells. The sensory neuropeptide substance P (SP), present at high levels, is able to act on FLS proliferation and enzyme secretion. These data led us to investigate whether SP could also provoke a phenotypic change of FLS. Using flow cytometry and a three-step cellular ELISA method, we determined whether SP has an influence on the expression of MHC class II, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), VCAM-1, LFA-3, CD40, B7.1 or B7.2 molecules on RA FLS incubated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or IL-1beta or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) with or without SP. Our results indicate that SP potentiates the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on the expression of VCAM-1 on RA FLS. We verified the presence of specific SP (NK1) receptor mRNA. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we showed that RA FLS of patients express NK1 receptor mRNA. These results suggest that SP increase of cytokine-induced VCAM-1 expression acts via this specific SP receptor. Thus, during chronic inflammation RA FLS are at the interface between the immune and the nervous systems.

Does the French general practitioner correctly investigate and treat osteoporosis? Groupe Rhumatologique d'Etudes Cliniques de Midi-Pyrénées

In our region, more than half the patients with osteoporosis are investigated and treated by general practitioners. We carried out two surveys to discover whether the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis were correctly carried out by general practitioners in the Midi-Pyrénées region. The first survey concerned 85 patients who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis by their general practitioner. These patients were being seen for the first time in a hospital or private practice setting by a rheumatologist who completed a questionnaire based solely on the history taken from the patient and the records in the patient's possession. For the second survey, 200 general practitioners who had referred patients to the rheumatology department were sent a questionnaire on their management of osteoporosis. Fifty-two physicians completed and returned the questionnaire. More than half the general practitioners started treatment of osteoporosis without fractures on the basis of standard spinal X-rays where the radiologist suggested bone mineral loss. The initial biological investigation was correctly carried out by only 6% of physicians. Treatment was correctly prescribed in only 34% of cases of osteoporosis with fractures, 50% of osteoporosis without fractures and 50% of senile cortical osteoporosis.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Osteonecrosis of the hip classically produces a heterogeneous density in the femoral head, although the bone marrow ischemia extends down to the femoral neck and trochanters. Also, bone insufficiency fractures due to diffuse bone loss have been implicated in the genesis of osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVES

To use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to quantify the bone changes produced by osteonecrosis of the hip and to compare bone mineral density values in patients with osteonecrosis of the hip and in controls.

METHODS

Bone mineral density was measured at the femoral neck (total femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and trochanter), femoral head and lumbar spine using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DPX, L Lunar) in 22 patients with osteonecrosis of the hip and in 22 age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

In the patients with osteonecrosis, bone mineral density on the affected side was higher than on the opposite side at the femoral head (+18%), femoral neck (+7%), and Ward's triangle (+6%) and lower at the trochanter (-4%). These differences were most marked at the more advanced end of the osteonecrosis spectrum. As compared to age-specific normative values, the osteonecrosis patients had moderately decreased bone mineral density values at the lumbar spine (-0.53 +/- 1.1 SD or -6 +/- 1.5%) and at the femoral neck on the normal side (-0.9 +/- 1.4 SD or 12 +/- 1.8%). As compared to the controls, bone mineral density was significantly decreased at Ward's triangle (-25%; P: 0.04) and nonsignificantly decreased at the lumbar spine (-4.7%; P: 0.15) and at the femoral neck (-15%; P: 0.09).

Immunoblotting detection of autoantibodies to human epidermis filaggrin: a new diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

We previously reported that so-called antikeratin antibodies (AKA) and antiperinuclear factor (APF) recognize epitope(s) present on human epidermal filaggrin. In the present study, we developed a new diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on detection of antifilaggrin autoantibodies (AFA) by immunoblotting.

METHODS

We tested 670 serum samples, including 190 RA. AFA titers were estimated by immunoblotting on filaggrin enriched human epidermis extracts, and AKA titers by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on rat esophagus epithelium. Diagnostic values of the tests were compared.

RESULTS

Each test resulted in diagnosis of more than 40% of RA samples, with a specificity of 0.99. Although the tests were strongly correlated, their association allowed the diagnosis of more than 60% of RA samples, with the same specificity.

CONCLUSION

Immunoblot detection of AFA, a simple and standardizable test, may be an alternative or complement to conventional IIF detection of AKA.

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: an open study of 40 cases treated by joint distention during arthrography followed by an intraarticular corticosteroid injection and immediate physical therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of joint distention during arthrography followed by an intraarticular corticosteroid injection then by high-intensity physical therapy and use of an abduction splint in an open study of 40 patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

METHODS

Patients were evaluated on D0, D5 (i.e., before discharge) and D30 for pain severity assessed using a four-point scale (0-3) and for passive ranges of abduction, internal rotation and external rotation of the shoulder.

RESULTS

Mean pain severity improved significantly from 2.18 +/- 0.6 (mean +/- SD) on D0 to 1.74 +/- 0.5 on D5 (P: 0.01) and 0.92 +/- 0.5 on D30 (P: 0.02). Passive range of abduction increased significantly from 44.8 degrees +/- 1.54 degrees on D0 to 68 degrees +/- 15 degrees on D5 (P: 0.05), whereas the difference between D5 and D30 (71 degrees +/- 13 degrees) was not significant (P: 0.8). Similarly, passive range of external rotation increased significantly from 4.3 degrees +/- 0.6 degree on D0 to 13.5 degrees +/- 0.5 degree on D5 (P = 0.04) and showed a nonsignificant increase from D5 to D30 (17 degrees +/- 13 degrees, P: 0.2).

CONCLUSION

Joint distention during arthrography followed by an intraarticular corticosteroid injection then by high-intensity physical therapy significantly improved pain and passive range of motion within the first five days, and these gains were sustained after one month.

[Gammopathies of indeterminant significance and osteoporosis: association or coincidence?]

OBJECTIVES

Osteoporosis is common in subjects over 70 years of age. Likewise, the incidence of monogammapathies of undetermined signification (MGUS) increases with age. We conducted this study to determine whether the biological and histomorphometric characteristics of osteoporosis in patients with MGUS are different from those in primary osteoporosis and to ascertain whether any cause and effect relationships could exist between MGUS and osteoporosis, excluding signs of active myeloma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serum and urinary phosphorus and calcium, histomorphometric measurements, hormone levels and serum cytokines (IL1, IL6 and TNF alpha) were determined in 7 patients (mean age 71.8 years, 2 men and 5 women) with MGUS associated with osteoporosis with vertebral fractures (OP) and compared with those in 7 osteoporosis patients without MGUS matched for age, sex, and osteoporosis severity and 7 other age and sex matched patients with MGUS without OS. The MGUS + PS patients were followed for 9 years (4.5 to 20) so slowly progressive myeloma could be excluded.

RESULTS

Cytokine levels were the same in the three groups of patients but MGUS + OP patients had higher urinary calcium levels (ca/cr = 0.21 +/- 0.08 vs 0.12 +/- 0.1 (OP) and 0.13 (MGUS); p = 0.04), decreased osteocalcin levels (7 +/- 4.6 ng/ml vs. 12 +/- 4 (OP) and 11.5 +/- 5 (MGUS); p = 0.01) and increased surface resorption (8 +/- 1.4 vs. 3.6 +/- 1.2 (OP) and 5.5 +/- 1.7 (MGUS); p = 0.05).

DISCUSSION

It has been demonstrated that MGUS in patients with increased resorption and lower osteocalcin levels frequently progresses to active myeloma. The question is raised as to whether, in certain cases of MGUS, in situ stimulation of bone cells by monoclonal plasma cells could exist without ongoing transformation to active myeloma.

Antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory action of methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: evidence of increased interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 gene expression demonstrated in vitro by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction

OBJECTIVE

To look for in vitro modulation of the main immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory cytokines by methotrexate (MTX) during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We quantified interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) gene expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo under basal conditions and in vitro after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or PHA plus MTX, by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in 12 patients with untreated active RA (group 1), 10 patients with MTX-treated disease in partial remission (group 2), and 11 healthy control subjects. Simultaneously, under the same experimental conditions, we quantified cytokine production by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

Under basal conditions, we found no differences in IL-2, IL-10, and IFNgamma gene expression in the 3 groups, while IL-4 gene expression was significantly decreased in RA patient group 1 compared with the control group. In vitro, under the action of MTX, IL-10 gene expression was significantly increased in the 3 groups, IL-4 gene expression was significantly increased in RA group 1 and in the control group, and IL-2 and IFNgamma gene expression was significantly decreased in RA group 1. Cytokine gene expression assessed by RT-PCR and cytokine production assessed by specific ELISAs were highly correlated.

CONCLUSION

In vitro modulation of the cytokine network by MTX, increasing Th2 cytokines and decreasing Th1 cytokines, could explain its antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory actions in vivo during the treatment of RA.

Symptomatic efficacy of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial with a six-month treatment period and a two-month followup demonstrating a persistent effect

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in the treatment of patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip, as well as the potential residual effects of ASU after stopping treatment, to determine whether ASU might be a symptomatic slow-acting drug for the treatment of OA.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-four patients with regular, painful, primary OA of the knee (n = 114) or hip (n = 50) entered a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial with a 6-month treatment period and a 2-month posttreatment followup. A 15-day washout period for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) preceded the study. Efficacy was judged according to 1) Lequesne's functional index (LFI) and 2) pain on Huskisson's visual analog scale (VAS; 100-mm scale), intake of NSAIDs/analgesics, and overall disability score (by 100-mm VAS).

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients received ASU; 79 received placebo. One hundred forty-four patients were evaluable at month 6 (75 taking ASU; 69 taking placebo). The mean +/- SEM LFI score decreased from 9.7 +/- 0.3 to 6.8 +/- 0.4 in the ASU group and from 9.4 +/- 0.3 to 8.9 +/- 0.4 in the placebo group (P < 0.001 for intergroup difference at month 6). Pain decreased from 56.1 +/- 1.6 mm to 35.3 +/- 2.3 in the ASU group and from 56.1 +/- 1.8 mm to 45.7 +/- 2.6 in the placebo group (P = 0.003 at month 6). NSAID consumption was slightly lower in the ASU group. Fewer patients in the ASU group required NSAIDs (48%, versus 63% in the placebo group; P = 0.054). The success rate was 39% in the ASU group and 18% in the placebo group. Overall functional disability was significantly reduced in the ASU group. Improvement appeared more marked in patients with hip OA. A residual effect was observed at month 8. Tolerance was good to excellent for most patients.

CONCLUSION

ASU treatment showed significant symptomatic efficacy over placebo in the treatment of OA, acting from month 2 and showing a persistent effect after the end of treatment.

Antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory action of methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: evidence of increased interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 gene expression demonstrated in vitro by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction

OBJECTIVE

To look for in vitro modulation of the main immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory cytokines by methotrexate (MTX) during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We quantified interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) gene expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo under basal conditions and in vitro after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or PHA plus MTX, by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in 12 patients with untreated active RA (group 1), 10 patients with MTX-treated disease in partial remission (group 2), and 11 healthy control subjects. Simultaneously, under the same experimental conditions, we quantified cytokine production by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

Under basal conditions, we found no differences in IL-2, IL-10, and IFNgamma gene expression in the 3 groups, while IL-4 gene expression was significantly decreased in RA patient group 1 compared with the control group. In vitro, under the action of MTX, IL-10 gene expression was significantly increased in the 3 groups, IL-4 gene expression was significantly increased in RA group 1 and in the control group, and IL-2 and IFNgamma gene expression was significantly decreased in RA group 1. Cytokine gene expression assessed by RT-PCR and cytokine production assessed by specific ELISAs were highly correlated.

CONCLUSION

In vitro modulation of the cytokine network by MTX, increasing Th2 cytokines and decreasing Th1 cytokines, could explain its antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory actions in vivo during the treatment of RA.

Influence of the volume of osteonecrosis on the outcome of core decompression of the femoral head

OBJECTIVES

To assess the outcome of core decompression in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head related to the volume of necrotic bone measured according to a previously reported method.

METHODS

Twenty hips corresponding to strictly Ficat stage II underwent magnetic resonance imaging and the volume of necrotic bone was expressed as a percentage of the volume of the entire head measured on each slice. All hips underwent core decompression and the outcome was evaluated at 24 months. The primary evaluation criterion was radiological appearance: the outcome was considered as good if the hip remained stage II and poor if the disease progressed.

RESULTS

Twenty four months after core decompression, half the cases remained stable and in half the disease had progressed. Outcome seemed to be related to the volume of necrotic bone (average 22% in the good outcome group versus 45% in the poor outcome group (p = 0.0051)) and was independent of risk factors, age, and histological type.

CONCLUSIONS

The volume of necrotic bone should be taken into account in the evaluation of any treatment, bearing in mind that in more than one third of cases this volume will probably decrease, especially at the beginning of the disease process.