More than half of patients with OA report inadequate pain relief

Inadequate pain relief was reported by 54% of patients with osteoarthritis, according to the results of a recently published study.

Researchers enrolled 1,187 patients in a trial conducted at 53 centers in six European countries. Mean patient age was 68 years; 68% were women, 19% were employed and all patients had osteoarthritis (OA) in one or both knees. Patients with other types or arthritis, partial or total joint replacement or who were taking disease-modifying ant-rheumatic drugs were excluded from the study.

Patient demographics and medical history were collected, and patients were surveyed on pain and stiffness using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), WOMAC and other questions.

After the assessment, 54% of patients reported inadequate pain relief, with BPI scores of five or higher on a 10-point scale in 35% of respondents and scores of three or higher in 71%.

Compared with patients who reported adequate pain relief, those with more pain were around the same mean age, and smoking status was consistent at 8%. Patients with inadequate pain relief were more likely to be female, less likely to be employed, and more likely to have a higher BMI and a longer mean disease duration, according to the researchers.

Patients with inadequate pain relief were also more likely to have OA in both knees and comorbidities such as depression, diabetes, hypertension of history of renal impairment. – by Shirley Pulawski

Disclosure: Conaghan has no relevant disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.