Pharmacologic Intervention for Osteoarthritis in Older Adults
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and one of the leading causes
of chronic disability among older individuals.1 The health resource use imposed by OA
is increasing because of the increasing prevalence of obesity and the aging of the
community.2 The largest increases will occur among older adults, for whom OA also
has the greatest functional impact.
OA has been previously described as ‘‘degenerative joint disease’’. Although OA is
characterized by degradation of the cartilage, this moniker understates the significance
of genetic, biologic, biochemical, nutritional, and mechanical factors that
contribute to the process.3,4 Successful management of the disease requires
a comprehensive approach to address all of these factors. In light of the potential
for adverse events caused by the use of pharmacologic agents, the authors endorse
the use of nonpharmacologic treatments before or in concert with pharmacologic
therapy.
The focus of pharmacologic treatment of OA includes targets from the cell and cytokine
level to the larger joint components such as cartilage, bone, innervations, and
vascular supply. The intended important goals of therapy in patients with OA are
pain management, improvement in function and disability, and ultimately disease
modification. This articles discusses the current pharmacologic regimens available
Pharmacologic Intervention for Osteoarthritis in Older Adults
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and one of the leading causes
of chronic disability among older individuals.1 The health resource use imposed by OA
is increasing because of the increasing prevalence of obesity and the aging of the
community.2 The largest increases will occur among older adults, for whom OA also
has the greatest functional impact.
OA has been previously described as ‘‘degenerative joint disease’’. Although OA is
characterized by degradation of the cartilage, this moniker understates the significance
of genetic, biologic, biochemical, nutritional, and mechanical factors that
contribute to the process.3,4 Successful management of the disease requires
a comprehensive approach to address all of these factors. In light of the potential
for adverse events caused by the use of pharmacologic agents, the authors endorse
the use of nonpharmacologic treatments before or in concert with pharmacologic
therapy.
The focus of pharmacologic treatment of OA includes targets from the cell and cytokine
level to the larger joint components such as cartilage, bone, innervations, and
vascular supply. The intended important goals of therapy in patients with OA are
pain management, improvement in function and disability, and ultimately disease
modification. This articles discusses the current pharmacologic regimens available
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..
