Comorbidities in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies

Abstract

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition in older individuals, but its association with other chronic conditions is largely unknown. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on comorbidities in individuals with OA compared to those without.MethodsWe searched 4 databases for observational studies on comorbidities in individuals with OA. Studies of OA only or in comparison with non‐OA controls were included. The risk of bias and study quality were assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. The prevalence of comorbidities in the OA group and the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between OA and non‐OA groups were calculated.ResultsIn all, 42 studies from 16 countries (27 case‐only and 15 comparative studies) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of participants varied from 51 to 76 years. The pooled prevalence of any comorbidity was 67% (95% CI 57–74) in individuals with OA versus 56% (95% CI 44–68) in individuals without OA. The pooled PR for any comorbidity was 1.21 (95% CI 1.02–1.45). The PR increased from 0.73 (95% CI 0.43–1.25) for 1 comorbidity to 1.58 (95% CI 1.03–2.42) for 2, and to 1.94 (95% CI 1.45–2.59) for ≥3 comorbidities. The key comorbidities associated with OA were stroke (PR 2.61 [95% CI 2.13–3.21]), peptic ulcer (PR 2.36 [95% CI 1.71–3.27]), and metabolic syndrome (PR 1.94 [95% CI 1.21–3.12]).ConclusionIndividuals with OA are more likely to have other chronic conditions. The association is dose‐dependent in terms of the number of comorbidities, suggesting multimorbidities. Further studies on the causality of this association and clinical implications are needed.

Behavior Change Text Messages for Home Exercise Adherence in Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Trial

“…As OA has no cure, supporting patients to self-manage their condition is vital. Exercise is a core recommended treatment for knee OA [ 2 , 3 ] and is important for common comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease [ 4 ]. Exercise programs often involve initial supervision by a clinician, followed by unsupervised home exercise.…”

The contribution of age and obesity to the number of painful joint sites in individuals reporting osteoarthritis: a population-based study

“…Age, sex, education (as an indicator of socioeconomic status), smoking and BMI are established risk factors for OA [ 1–3 ]. These are also risk factors for many chronic conditions that are associated with OA [ 18 ]. Our assumption was that risk factors for OA generally and at individual joint sites would also be risk factors for a greater number of painful joints in OA.…”

The Use of Harpagophytum Procumbens (Martynia Fragrans) in Rheumatology: a Look through the Prism of Comorbidity (Literature Review)

“…The increase in life expectancy of the planet and the prevalence of obesity -one of its leading risk factors -will lead to an increase in the number of such patients and the problems associated with their medical care. It is generally accepted that osteoarthritis is characterized by a significant and increasing level of comorbidity, which significantly complicates, increases the cost of the treatment process and reduces its effectiveness [1,2,36]. In the spetrum of comorbid diseases, lesions of the cardiovascular system (arterial hypertension, various forms of coronary heart disease, heart failure), digestive system (gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer, cholecysto-pancreatopathy, entero-colonopathy, etc.…”

“…In the spetrum of comorbid diseases, lesions of the cardiovascular system (arterial hypertension, various forms of coronary heart disease, heart failure), digestive system (gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer, cholecysto-pancreatopathy, entero-colonopathy, etc. ), and diabetes with obesity as one of risk factors dominate [1,36]. In all these diseases, the non-specific pathogenetic role of systemic lowlevel inflammation, oxidative, nitrosative stress, hemocoagulation disorders, etc., has been established [2,30].…”