Blood test that identifies osteoarthritis 8 years earlier than x-rays. Biomarkers that can predict the early onset of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a common condition diagnosed on x-rays following joint pain. Duke University researchers have discovered biomarkers in women’s blood serum that can accurately predict the development of the disease.

Serum biomarkers can predict osteoarthritis of the knee up to eight years earlier than X-ray detection. Despite the lack of a cure for osteoarthritis, researchers are exploring improved methods of treatment and early detection. The study highlights the need for improved treatment and early detection of OA.

How is osteoarthritis detected?

About 20% of adults suffer from arthritis, the most common form being osteoarthritis. This occurs when the cartilage and joint tissue breaks down, causing limited protection between the bones and causing pain. Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include joint damage, age, obesity, and genetics. People can manage the progression of this condition through weight loss, exercise and medication, according to MedicalNewsToday.

The authors of a study highlighted the global increase in osteoarthritis and emphasized the need for early detection. By the time an x-ray is diagnostic, cartilage degradation has already occurred and the patient is likely to be in pain. If osteoarthritis could be detected before damage is done and shows up on x-rays, interventions could be put in place to slow the progression of the disease.

The study looked at data from the Chingford Study, which studied musculoskeletal diseases. The study involved 200 women between the ages of 45 and 65 who had no history of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or knee injuries that required rest for a week or more. Half of the group included women who developed knee osteoarthritis during the 10-year follow-up, while the other half represented the control group. Women have provided blood samples and X-ray readings over the years.

See also: The condition that stops circulation in your fingers. How long and what treatment do severe symptoms require?

Photo: Freepik

Early diagnosis

Researchers have identified six biomarkers that can predict the early onset of knee osteoarthritis with an accuracy rate of 77%. These biomarkers were tested on serum samples from years 2 and 6 and found to be active in the cartilage and synovium of the knee joint, indicating their importance in understanding OA. Biomarkers were superior to predictions using BMI (51%) or knee pain (57%).

However, the study has some weaknesses, including that the design was a case-control study, which may not provide the highest level of clinical research evidence due to bias, and the sample size was small, all participants being female. This may make it difficult to generalize the findings to a diverse population at risk for knee osteoarthritis, particularly men. The identification of sensitive biomarkers for the early detection of osteoarthritis could reduce the medical burden of the disease.

Also read: Meningitis: bacterial, viral and fungal forms explained. What does meningitis protection mean?

Importance of blood test for early detection of osteoarthritis

A study has developed a blood test to predict knee osteoarthritis before structural damage shows up on X-rays, which could help improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. The test, which is promising but not immediately available for public use, is based on the findings of a study by Steve Yoon, a board-certified physical therapist and director of the Regenerative Medicine Clinic at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.

Dr. Yoon emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, such as optimizing diet and moderate exercise, which have been linked to the prevention and positive impact of many diseases. Timothy Gibson, board certified orthopedic surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center, emphasized the importance of the study results. Dr. Gibson believes that early identification of people at high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis could provide early intervention and potentially slow or stop the progression of the disease.

Weight control and maintaining or improving quadriceps and leg strength can help those at risk. The hope for earlier diagnosis, treatment, development and limitation of complications is comforting for people living with osteoarthritis.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow DCMedical on Google News as well

Did this article help you?

Follow the DCMedical Facebook page and the DCMedical Health Dose Instagram page and access more useful content for your health, disease prevention and treatment, first aid measures and useful advice from doctors and patients.