Synovium in haemophilic arthropathy

G Roosendaal1, E P Mauser-Bunschoten, P De Kleijn

  • 1Van Creveld Clinic, National Haemophilia Centre, University Hospital Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. G.Roosendaal@digd.azu.nl

Synovium is an essential component of the joint and plays a critical role in maintaining a balance between physiological processes and pathological changes in the joint. Recurrent intra-articular bleeding as occur in haemophilia induce pathological synovial changes in the joint. From a certain point on, synovitis inevitably plays a major role in joint destruction, although in the early phase of haemophilic arthropathy its role may be secondary to cartilage damage as a result of the direct effects of blood on cartilage. The changed haemosiderotic, synovial tissue produces catabolic cytokines and enzymes harmful for cartilage.

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