A new study from researchers at Duke Health has shown that knee osteoarthritis can be predicted in women up to eight years before it can be detected by X-ray, thanks to a unique blood test. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that is caused by a combination of cartilage wearing away, bone thickening, and inflammation.
Dr. Virginia Byers Kraus, a professor of rheumatology at the Duke University Medical Center, is the senior author of the study. She explained that the test works by detecting a unique immune response associated with osteoarthritis, which identifies individuals who are at risk for developing the condition.
While there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, preventative measures can help slow its progression. Kraus emphasized that implementing this blood test in a clinical setting would be more effective if it could be detected earlier in individuals. This way, she believes that treatment could potentially begin sooner and prevent further damage to the joints.
She stated, “There’s not as much change yet, not as much damage yet. The disability isn’t there yet.” However, everyone in the field agrees that if this blood test could be used earlier to screen people and identify those who would benefit from preventive interventions, it could make a significant difference in their lives.
The blood test is not yet available for clinical use but Kraus hopes that it will be utilized in the future to improve early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.
