Knee osteoarthritis prevalence and influence on postmenopausal women TOC \o "1-5" \h \z quality of life

Abstract

Objective. To study prevalence of knee joints osteoarthritis (OA) in menopausal women and its influence on menopausal syndrome severity and quality of life of pts. Material and methods. A random sample (673 pts) from the general population of pts (6734 women) consulted by specialists due to menopausal problems was examined. History evaluation, physical examination by a rheumatologist, calculation of body mass index (BMI) and waist/hips circumference ratio (WHR) were performed. Pain (VAS), Lequesne index, modified menopausal index (MMI), depression presence and severity and quality of life (QL) with SF-36 questionnaire were assessed. OA was diagnosed according to common clinical and radiological criteria. Results. 73% of examined persons complained of joint pain. 45,1% of cases fulfilled OA criteria. 932 women with knee OA were analyzed (mean age 51,6±5,5 years). Control group included 372 women without OA (mean age 50,1+5,7 years). Frequency of manifest knee OA in women visited a specialized center due to menopausal problems was higher than in general population. Obesity doubled risk of knee OA development in menopause. Pts with knee OA had decreased QL according to physical functioning and pain scales. QL restriction on social and emotional functioning scales, general and mental health in OA pts was associated with presence of comorbid depression.

Keywords

• knee osteoarthritis
• women
• menopause
• quality of life