Degrees of Pain, Levels of Cartilaginous Oligomeric Matrix Protein, and Degrees of Kellgren-Lawrence of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis in Post-Menopausal Women with Osteoporosis are Higher than Post-Menopausal Women without Osteoporosis

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) belong to major health problems affecting the overall well-being and quality of life of the patient, both can occur simultaneously. Loss of subchondral bone characterizes OP and early phase of OA. Biological markers, including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), describe this pathological process. We aim to evaluate the role of OP on OA through pain level (VAS), COMP level and Kellgren-Lawrence degree in post-menopausal women with OA. Methods: This is a case-control study conducted in Sanglah General Hospital during March-August 2021. Consecutive sampling was performed, with study subjects being post-menopausal women aged 50-70 years old suffering from OA with or without OP. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, normality test, and hypothesis testing using independent T-test or Mann-Whitney Test. Results: 33 subjects were involved in this study, with 11 belonged to case and 22 patients to control group. Mean age was 69,12 ± 9,103. Kellgren-Lawrence I, II, III and IV were observed in 3 (9.1%), 7 (21.2%), 14 (42.4%) and 9 (27.3%) patients, respectively. Mild VAS was observed in 17 patients (51.5%), meanwhile moderate VAS was observed in 16 patients (48.5%). High COMP level was found in 17 (51.5%) patients. Hypothesis testing revealed significantly higher COMP level in case group (p=0.042). Degree of pain and Kellgren-Lawrence degree were also significantly higher in control group, with p-value of 0.012 and 0.001, respectively. Conclusion: Pain level, serum COMP level and Kellgren-Lawrence degree were significantly higher in post-menopausal women suffering from OA with OP compared to patients without OP. Key words: Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, VAS, COMP, Kellgren-Lawrence.