[Relationship between hypercholesterolemia and osteoarthritis (preliminary results)].

AIM: To evaluate the relationship of hypercholesterolemia (HCE) with clinical, instrumental, and laboratory parameters in osteoarthritis (OA) in a multicenter, cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 183 patients aged 40-75 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of stage I-III OA (ACR) of the knee joints, who signed an informed consent. The mean age was 55.6±10.7 years (40 to 75), body mass index was 29.3±6.3 kg/m2, and disease duration was 5 [1; 10] years. For each patient, a case record form was filled out, including anthropometric indicators, medical history, clinical examination data, an assessment of knee joint pain according to VAS, WOMAC, KOOS and comorbidities. All patients underwent standard radiography and ultrasound examination of the knee joints and laboratory tests. RESULTS: HCE was detected in 59% of patients. Depending on its presence or absence, patients were divided into two groups. Patients were comparable in body mass index, waist and hip measurement, and disease duration but differed significantly in age. Individuals with elevated total cholesterol levels had higher VAS pain scores, total WOMAC and its components, an overall assessment of the patient's health, a worse KOOS index, and ultrasound findings (reduced cartilage tissue). HCE patients showed high levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, STX-II, and COMP (p<0.05). However, after stratification by age, many initial intergroup differences became insignificant, and differences in the WOMAC pain score persisted. CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirmed the high prevalence of HCE in OA patients (59%). Patients with OA and increased total cholesterol have more intense pain in the knee joints.

[The efficacy and safety of intra-articular application of a combination of sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis of the knee: a multicenter prospective study].

in 3 mL on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a multicenter prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 79 outpatients (predominantly females 81.0%) from 5 RF constituent territories with primary tibiofemoral KellgrenLawrence score grade II or III knee OA, 40 mm pain intensity during walking on visual analogue scale (VAS), requiring NSAIDs intake (for at least 30 days during 3 months prior to enrollment) were included into the study after signing the informed consent form. Mean age was 60.38.7 years, mean BMI 29.24.7 kg/m2, disease duration 6 (310) years. Grade II OA was documented in 68.4% of patients, Grade III in 31.6%. The study lasted for 6 months. Efficacy and safety evaluations were made based on VAS pain assessment, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) [WOMAC pain (0500), WOMAC function (01700), WOMAC stiffness (0200)], VAS patients health status, EQ-5D-based assessment of patients quality of life, global physicians and patients efficacy assessment, and daily NSAIDs requirements. RESULTS: Obtained results demonstrate statistically significant VAS pain reduction during walking already in 1 week after intra-articular injection of the combination [respectively, 62 (5572) and 41 (3251) mm, р0.0001]. Moreover, pain continued to subside during all 3 months of follow up [in 1 month 28 (2042), in 3 month 22 (1437) mm]. A significant pan reduction achieved at Mo 3 persisted until Mo 6 20 (1442) mm, without documented pain increase. Similar trends were observed with total WOMAC score [1125 (8991540) at baseline, and 552 (309837) mm by the end of the study, p0.0001], and all WOMAC sub-scores [268 (189312) baseline WOMAC pain, 91 (48171) mm by the end of the study p0.0001; stiffness 101 (59130) and 40 (2061) mm, p0.0001; function 802 (6471095) and 402 (191638) mm, p0.0001, respectively]. Median time to the onset of therapeutic effect was 7 (518) days. Statistically significant improvement of patients quality of life by EQ-5D and general health status was observed during all follow up period [respectively, 0.52 (-0.020.59) and 0.69 (0.590.80), р0.0001; 48 (3060) and 72 (6080) mm, р0.0001]. One injection of the drug resulted in dose reduction or discontinuation of NSAIDs therapy: at baseline 76 patients (96.2%) were taking NSAIDs, in one week 31 (39.2%) patients discontinued NSAIDs, in 1 month 72.2%, in 3 months 73.4%, and by the end of the study at Mo 6 54.4% were not taking NSAIDs. These data were consistent with physicians and patients global assessment of the efficacy of treatment, who stated significant improvement and improvement in the majority of cases, with only few no effect or worsening cases documented in analyzed population. Adverse events, such as worsening of pain and/or swelling of the joint, were documented in 8 patients (10.1%); they resolved spontaneously or following NSAIDs intake. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid plus chondroitin sulfate in patients with knee OA are efficient and safe. A single injection of the drug resulted in statistically significant reduction of pain and stiffness, reduction in NSAIDs intake, as well as improvement in patients quality of life and function.

[Spondyloarthritis: modern terminology and definitions].

Aim to identify outdated terms and make changes to the terminology of spondyloarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the first stage of the work, the terms divided into two categories: "outdated" definitions and terms that need to be improved or unified. Subsequently, each member of the Expert Group of Spondyloarthritis at the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia (ExSpA) presented by its own definition of the designated term or agreed with the previous term. At the next stage, the existing definitions were put together. After discussion, experts left a term that scored at least 2/3 of the votes. The special opinion of experts was recorded, whose did not coincide with the majority opinion. An open vote was conducted, when defining an "outdated" term with the unanimous decision of all group members, this term was not recommended for further clinical use. RESULTS: The work carried out allowed us to identify a number of terms that are not recommended for use in clinical practice. Number of terms are defined, which should be used when discussing the problem of spondyloarthritis. CONCLUSION: The Expert Group of Spondyloarthritis at the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia suggests using or, accordingly, not using a number of terms and their definitions in clinical practice.

[Analysis of the state-of-the-art of consulting medical care to patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis or its risk according to the data of a questionnaire survey (GLUCOST study)].

AIM: To analyze the state-of-the-art of consulting medical care to Russian patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GCOP) or its risk. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This GLUCOST study was organized and conducted by the Russian Association of Osteoporosis. A total of 1129 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, who had been taking oral glucocorticosteroids (OGCSs) a long time (3 months or more), were examined. The patients filled out an anonymous questionnaire on their own. Whether the measures taken to diagnose, prevent, and treat GCOP complied with the main points of Russian clinical guidelines was assessed. RESULTS: 61.8% of the patients knew that the long-term treatment of GCOP might cause osteoporosis. 48.1% of the respondents confirmed the results of bone densitometry; 78.1% of the patients reported that they had been prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements by their physician, but their regular intake was confirmed by only 43.4%; 25.4% of the patients had sustained one low-energy fracture or more. Treatment for GCOP was prescribed for 50.8% of the patients at high risk for fractures, but was actually received by 40.2%. Therapeutic and diagnostic measures were implemented in men less frequently than in women. When the patient was aware of GCOP, the probability that he/she would take calcium and vitamin D supplements rose 2.7-fold (95% Cl; 2.1 to 3.5; p = 0.001) and that he/she would follow treatment recommendations did 3.5-fold (95% Cl; 2.3 to 5.3; p = 0.001). Bone densitometry increased the prescription rate for antiosteoporotic medication and patient compliance. CONCLUSION: According to the data of Russia's large-scale GLUCOST survey, every four patients with chronic inflammatory disease who are on long-term OGCS therapy have one low-energy fracture or more. Due to inadequate counseling, the patients are little aware of their health and do not get the care required to prevent the disease. Less than 50% of patients who have GCOP and a high risk for fractures undergo examination and necessary treatment aimed at preventing fractures.

[Evaluation of coronary artery lesion in men with osteopenic syndrome and coronary artery disease].

AIM: To examine the relation between coronary atherosclerosis (CA), coronary artery calcification (CAC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in men with coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The investigation included 74 males aged 60.1 (range, 55-70) years with verified CAD. All the patients underwent X-ray contrast-enhanced selective coronary angiography and coronary artery calcium score (CS) and BMD measurements by osteodensitometry. The severity of a coronary artery lesion was evaluated using the SYNTAX score. According to the T score, the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) 23 patients with osteoporosis (OP), 2) 30 patients with osteopenia, and 3) 21 patients with normal BMD. RESULTS: Osteopenic syndrome (OS) (OP and osteopenia) was found in 71.6% of the patients with angiographically confirmed CAD. Single-vessel lesion in the coronary bed (CB) was more frequently recorded in the normal BMD group than in the OP one (p = 0.023). Severe CB lesion was more common for the patients with OP (p = 0.029). There were statistically significant differences between the osteopenia and normal BMD groups in the severe degree of CB lesion (p = 0.042). Differences were noted in total CS between Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.0122). CS significantly correlated with the severity of CA lesion according to the SYNTAX score (r = 0.53; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Severe CB lesion in males correlates with CAC and is associated with decreased BMD, suggesting the commonness of the pathogenetic components of AS and OS.

[A NSAID-associated alimentary tract disease in patients with rheumatism in Russia].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and character of non-steroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated pathology in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) in the Russian population. The study included questioning of 2537 RD patients (81% women and 19% men, mean age 55.8 +/- 14.2 years) who were taking NSAID, in 6 regions of Russia, between the October of 2003 and April of 2004. The results were analyzed using chi2 criterion, Fisher exact test, and Student t-criterion. 7.6% of the questioned and 14.7% of their relatives had ulcerous background [corrected] history (ulcers diagnosted prior to the beginning of treatment with NSAID). Most patients (70.1%) were taking non-selective NSAID (NSNSAID), chiefly diclophenac (50.9%). The most often used non-selective cyclooxygenasa-2 (COG-2) inhibitor was nimesulid, taken by 23.5% of the patients. 20.2% of patients were not aware of the influence of NSAID on the gastric and intestinal mucosa. 33.7% of the patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) while taking NSAID. In 8.8% of the examined gastric or duodenal ulcers were found while they were taking NSAID; 1.5% of the examined developed gastro-duodenal hemorrhage or ulcer perforation. 53.1% of the questioned had gastroduodenal complaints; in most cases it was heartburn (37.3%), "heaviness" in the epigastral area (37.4%), and meteorism (37.4%). 51.3% of the patients associated gastroesopagial reflux and dyspepsia symptoms with intake of NSAID. 26.9% of the questioned associated stool disturbances and meteorism with NSAID intake. 32% of the patients took medications to eliminate gastrointestinal disorder symptoms. Patients taking selective COG-2 inhibitors had complaints less frequently than those who were taking NSNSAID (p = 0). Most frequently complaints were associated with intake of glucocorticoids (p = 0), low doses of aspirin (p = 0), smoking (p = 0), and elderly age (p = 0.007). Appearance of complaints was not associated with the dose of NSAID (diclophenac) (p = 0.257). 8.8% of the patients with ulcerous background were not aware of the effects of NSAID on the alimentory tract; 34.1% of the patients din not undergo EGDS withing the period of treatment with NSAID. Only 40.3% of patients were taking selective COG-2 inhibitors; 54.7% of patients were taking gastroprotective preparations. Alimentary tract pathology is a prevalent complication of therapy with NSAID in the Russian population. The most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms are subjective; they affect life quality substantially. Their risk factors are: elderly age, ulcer background, and glucocorticoid intake. Russian doctors do not take sufficient measures to prevent serious NSAID intake complications.

[Assessment of mineral density of bone tissue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using ultrasonic osteometry]. / Otsenka mineral'noi plotnosti kostnoi tkani u bol'nykh revmatoidnym artritom metodom ul'trazvukovoi osteometrii.

AIM: To examine bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using echoosteometry (EOM), to analyze the speed of ultrasound bone conduction in patients with different variants of RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 122 patients with verified RA diagnosis (ARA, 1987) who had not previously taken glucocorticosteroids, basic drugs or antiosteoporosis therapy. Group 1 consisted of 48 women of reproductive age, group 2--of 46 postmenopausal women and group 3 of 28 male patients. EOM measured the speed of ultrasonic conduction in collar-bones and radii (Echoosteometer EOM-02). RESULTS: The speed of ultrasound conduction in collar-bones and radii in RA patients is slower than control. This shows bone density loss. EOM demonstrated correlations between ultrasound bone conduction and RA patients age, RA duration and x-ray stage of the disease.