Baseline characteristics of patients with knee osteoarthritis pain flares in a Sri Lankan cohort

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) typically experience two broad types of pain – episodic and/or constant pain. This study explores the relationship between KOA pain episodes/flares, demographic haracteristics and putative triggers of pain reported at baseline. METHODS: Consecutive patients with KOA were recruited from rheumatology clinics at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. KOA pain flares were defined as a >2 points increase on a 0-10 point numeric rating score (NRS) from lowest knee pain intensity at baseline. Patients were assessed for demographic and pain characteristics, potential risk factors for pain flares, the Knee Osteoarthritis Flare Ups Score (KOFUS) and knee effusion at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (93% females) with a mean age of 59.8 years (SD 7.5) were recruited. Participants had mean height, weight and body mass index of 149.7 (SD 6.8) cm, 64.1 (SD 7.1) kg, 28.7 (SD 4.9) kg/m2 respectively. Mean (SD) score for usual pain and worst level of pain were 3.7 (1.8) and 7.5 (1.6). An average of 3.6 (SD 2) flares per month was reported. 9% reported a previous knee injury and 49% reported a previous episode of knee buckling. KOFUS score was >7 in 49%, and 44% had a knee effusion at baseline. There was no significant association between patient reported knee flares in the preceding month with previous knee injury, previous knee buckling or KOFUS score (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study did not demonstrate any association between previously identified KOA pain flare risk factors and KOA pain flares.