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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Comorbidity, limitations in activities and pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

Authors: Gabriella M van Dijk, Cindy Veenhof, Francois Schellevis, Harry Hulsmans, Jan PJ Bakker, Henk Arwert, Jos HM Dekker, Guus J Lankhorst, Joost Dekker

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the influence of comorbidity in OA. The objectives of the study were (i) to describe the prevalence of comorbidity and (ii) to describe the relationship between comorbidity (morbidity count, severity and the presence of specific diseases) and limitations in activities and pain in elderly patients with knee or hip OA using a comprehensive inventory of comorbidity.

Methods

A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted, in which 288 elderly patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis were included. Apart from demographic and clinical data, information about comorbidity, limitations in activities (WOMAC, SF-36 and timed walking test) and pain (VAS) was collected by questionnaires and tests. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, multivariate regression techniques, t-tests and one-way ANOVA.

Results

Almost all patients suffered from at least one comorbid disease, with cardiac diseases, diseases of eye, ear, nose, throat and larynx, other urogenital diseases and endocrine/metabolic diseases being most prevalent. Morbidity count and severity index were associated with more limitations in activities and with more pain. The presence of most of the moderate or severe diseases and obesity was associated with limitations in activities or with pain.

Conclusion

The results of this study emphasize the importance of comorbidity in the rehabilitation of elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Clinical practitioners should be aware of the relationship of comorbidity with functional problems in OA patients.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/9/95/prepub

Title: Comorbidity, limitations in activities and pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee
Authors: Gabriella M van Dijk
Cindy Veenhof
Francois Schellevis
Harry Hulsmans
Jan PJ Bakker
Henk Arwert
Jos HM Dekker
Guus J Lankhorst
Joost Dekker
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-95

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Comorbidity, limitations in activities and pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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