Hand osteoarthritis in longevity populations

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rheumatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Centenarians often exhibit resilience to major age-related diseases.
• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
• Previous research has not detailed OA prevalence in exceptionally long-lived populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and development patterns of radiographic hand OA.
• To compare hand OA in three longevity populations (Abkhazians, Azerbaijanis, Georgians) against a non-longevity population (Russians).

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational study design.
• Longevity index calculated to define longevity populations (>40‰).
• Radiographic hand OA assessed using Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grading on 14 joints, with total affected joints (NAJ) quantified.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in age-standardized hand OA prevalence were observed between groups (p<0.003).
• Abkhazians exhibited the lowest prevalence, followed by Azerbaijanis and Georgians, with Russians showing the highest.
• Abkhazians also had the lowest age-adjusted number of affected joints (NAJ), while Russians had the highest.

Conclusions:

• Radiographic hand OA patterns differ between longevity and non-longevity populations.
• Onset of hand OA occurs later in life for individuals in longevity populations.
• The progression of hand OA, measured by NAJ, is slower in longevity populations.