13 May Lifetime Risk of Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis Higher in Whites
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Jin Qin
Jin Qin, ScD, MS
Epidemiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chamblee, GA 30341
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The hand is one of the sites most commonly affected by osteoarthritis (OA) but is often understudied compared with knee and hip OA. Many people with hand OA have significant symptoms, impaired hand strength and function, and disability in activities of daily living, like using a smart phone or a computer keyboard, and opening a jar. Lifetime risk is the probability of developing a condition over the course of a lifetime.
In this study, we estimated that 40% of adults will develop symptomatic hand OA in their lifetimes. Nearly one in two women (47%) and one in four men (25%) will develop the condition. Whites have a 41% lifetime risk, compared with 29% for blacks. The lifetime risk among individuals with obesity is 47%, which is 11 percentage points higher than those without obesity.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: These findings indicate that symptomatic hand OA is very common, and affects a substantial proportion of the population in their lifetimes. Given the aging population and increasing life expectancy in the United States, it is reasonable to expect that more Americans will be affected by this painful and debilitating condition in the years to come.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Future work is needed in both research and dissemination of preventive strategies and interventions for symptomatic hand OA to address its impact.
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Citation:
Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017 May 4. doi: 10.1002/art.40097. [Epub ahead of print]
Lifetime Risk of Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.
Qin J1, Barbour KE1, Murphy LB1, Nelson AE2, Schwartz TA2, Helmick CG1, Allen KD2, Renner JB2, Baker NA3, Jordan JM2.
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on May 13, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD