Osteoarthritis and mortality: a prospective cohort study and systematic review with meta-analysis

Nicola Veronese, Emanuele Cereda, Stefania Maggi, Claudio Luchini, Marco Solmi, Toby Smith, Michael Denkinger, Michael Hurley, Trevor Thompson, Enzo Manzato, Giuseppe Sergi, Brendon Stubbs

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Abstract

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability, but the relationship with premature mortality remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the relationship between OA and mortality from any cause and from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: Electronic literature databases searches were conducted to identify prospective studies comparing mortality in a sample of people with and without OA. Risk of call-cause and CVD-mortality were summarized using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for joint-specific (hand, hip and knee) and joint non-specific OA. New data from the Progetto Veneto Anziani (PRO.V.A.) study were also included.

Results: From the PRO.V.A. study (N=2,927), there was no significant increase in CVD mortality risk for participants with any-joint OA (N=1,858) compared to non-OA (all-cause, HR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.77-1.15; CVD, HR=1.12; 95% CI: 0.82-1.54). On meta-analysis, seven studies (OA: 10,018/non-OA: 18,541), with a median 12-year follow-up, reported no increased risk of any-cause mortality in those with OA (HR=1.10; 95% CI: 0.97-1.25). After removing data on hand OA, a significant association between OA and mortality was observed (HR=1.18; 95% CI: 1.08-1.28). There was a significant higher risk of overall mortality for (1) studies conducted in Europe, (2) patients with multi-joint OA; and (3) a radiological diagnosis of OA. OA was associated with significantly higher CVD mortality (HR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.10-1.34).

Conclusions: People with OA are at increased risk of death due to CVD. The relationship with overall mortality is less clear and may be moderated by the presence of hand OA.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160–167
Number of pages8
JournalSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
Volume46
Issue number2
Early online date13 Apr 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2016

Keywords

  • Ostearthritis
  • mortality
  • cardiovascular disease

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