New test raises hope for early arthritis diagnosis
London, Aug 23 : A new way of scanning joints that promises to diagnose arthritis in
its early stages could soon be available, thanks to the efforts of a group of US
researchers.
The MRI scan looks for low levels of the chemical glycosaminogycan, which helps
cartilage in joints hold the water that makes it tough and elastic.
New York University researchers told the American Chemical Society conference early
diagnosis could reduce the need for surgery later in life.
The Arthritis Research Campaign said the scan could help assess treatments.
The weakening and breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the moving parts of joints, is
a key factor in the development of osteoarthritis, which is common in the over-40s.
Cartilage is tough and elastic because of its high water content, and existing MRI
scans look for lower levels of this as a sign that the disease is developing.
The team is trying to spot the disease even earlier by looking for a substance called
glycosaminogycan (GAG), which helps the cartilage hold plenty of water.
The scientists found a way to make the hydrogen atoms attached to GAG emit a signal,
which can be picked up by the scanner.
"Our methods have the potential for providing early warning signs for cartilage
disorders like osteoarthritis, thus potentially avoiding surgery and physical therapy
later on," BBC quoted Dr Alexej Jerschow, one of the researchers, as saying.
He said that a patient given early notice of impending arthritis could take steps to
protect their joints, perhaps using dietary supplements such as glucosamine and
chondroitin, which may be able to slow or halt joint degeneration.
The next stage now is to test the technique in trials.
However, Professor Alan Silman, the medical director of the Arthritis Research
Campaign, said that the practical implications of the research were "currently very
limited".
"Unfortunately at the moment there is no treatment that could be offered that would
change the situation. What it may prove to be is a very sensitive test of drug treatment
response as new agents are developed," Silman added.
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--ANI
