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Intra-articular pressure changes in rheumatoid and normal peripheral joints
K Gaffney1, R B Williams, V A Jolliffe
1Bone and Joint Research Unit, London Hospital Medical College, United Kingdom.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Resting intraarticular pressure (IAP) is elevated in rheumatoid joints, indicating chronic inflammation. Exercise further increases IAP in rheumatoid arthritis, supporting the theory of hypoxic reperfusion injury.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Physiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic joint inflammation.
- Intraarticular pressure (IAP) dynamics in rheumatoid joints are not fully understood.
- Hypoxic reperfusion injury is a proposed mechanism in rheumatoid joint damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intraarticular pressure (IAP) dynamics in various joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls.
- To determine if a reperfusion event is likely to occur in rheumatoid joints.
Main Methods:
- IAP was measured using the Stryker 295-1 Intra-Compartmental Pressure Monitor System.
- Measurements were taken in metacarpophalangeal, wrist, ankle, and elbow joints of rheumatoid subjects.
- IAP was also measured in metacarpophalangeal, wrist, and ankle joints of normal healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Resting IAP was significantly higher in all rheumatoid joints compared to normal joints (p < 0.01).
- Exercise increased IAP exclusively in rheumatoid subjects (p < 0.01).
- Saline infusion into normal joints replicated the IAP changes observed in rheumatoid joints.
Conclusions:
- Elevated resting IAP serves as a potential marker for chronic joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
- The exercise-induced IAP increase in rheumatoid arthritis supports the hypothesis of hypoxic reperfusion-mediated joint injury.