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- Talk
- 08/09/2020
- UK
Identifying Risk Factors for Pain and Functional Impairment in Large Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Approach
Description
This presentation, led by Nidhi Sofat and introduced by Andrew Phillips, focuses on a research initiative aimed at identifying risk factors associated with pain and functional impairment in individuals affected by osteoarthritis (OA). The discussion highlights the prevalence of OA, particularly in the UK, and notes that while treatments exist to control symptoms, there is a significant need for disease-modifying therapies. Sofat outlines the objectives of the project, which involve identifying risk factors for pain and functional deterioration and creating a stratification tool that can influence future clinical studies and trials.
The groundwork for this research was established through a focus group in December 2018 that included a diverse set of professionals, allowing for the prioritization of project goals and method definitions. The outcome measures for pain assessment were emphasized, including established scales like WOMAC and various imaging techniques such as X-ray and MRI for examining structural damages. The team also expressed interest in exploring biomarkers, although they were uncertain about the available literature.
A systematic literature review was undertaken, screening over 11,000 records and ultimately selecting 82 qualifying studies for further analysis. The findings indicated a diversity in the study designs, demographics, and methodologies, facilitating a deeper understanding of predictors for knee and hip OA. Sofat also presented the results of a meta-analysis that revealed significant correlations between risk factors such as age and knee effusion with increased pain levels in knee OA.
The researchers acknowledged limitations in the available data regarding hip OA, which precluded a meta-analysis due to its lower quality evidence. The presentation concluded with a summary of the main findings, emphasizing the strong predictors for pain progression in knee OA, while highlighting the broad implications for future OA stratification tools and clinical interventions. The successful collaboration and support from various organizations were acknowledged, alongside a Q&A session addressing relevant clinical perspectives.