Own Publications

We carry out scientific studies around musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis. We are experts in the analysis of the quality of life, the needs and perspectives of patients through systematic reviews of the current available bibliography. We also carry out national and international surveys to publicize the patient’s vision of their disease, so that we better understand their situation and develop solutions according to their needs. Likewise, we create and participate in expert roundtables for discussion and the creation of guides and new products for the treatment and improvement of osteoarthritis symptoms.

If you want to receive more information about the publications or are interested in carrying out a study of this type, contact us by writing to: research@oafifoundation.com

Systematic review of the available literature on psychosocial and individual factors that affect the quality of life of patients with Achilles tendinopathy.

Achilles tendinopathy (TA) is a joint condition that causes functional limitations and pain. This pathology negatively affects social relationships and the psychological well-being of patients, reducing their quality of life (QoL). This review summarizes current information on the QoL of patients undergoing AT from different angles: comparison with a healthy population, individual factors, and effects of non-surgical and surgical interventions. The results showed that patients with AD have a worse QoL compared to the general population. Also, women reported worse QoL compared to patients of the opposite sex. Patients who participated in different exercise programs (strengthening and stretching) showed improvements in QoL. Both education about their disease and surgical treatment improved the QoL of these patients. In conclusion, we suggest more research around AT to better understand the aspects that lead to poor QoL.

Ref: Verges et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2022) 23:1114

Risk of ischemic stroke and use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: A nested case-control study.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine (GS) have been used in Spain for years in the treatment of osteoarthritis. These drugs, which are prescribed in our country, have proven to be safe and effective for controlling the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain, and have shown an improvement in functionality. On the other hand, various studies have reported that CS and GS reduce systemic inflammation and the progression of atherosclerosis, and may have a preventive action on the pathophysiology of certain cardiovascular diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction. In this line, we wonder if the use of CS and GC reduces the risk of suffering cerebrovascular accidents such as ischemic stroke (IS).

Through a case-control study nested in a cohort of patients from 40 to 99 years old registered in the Database for Pharmacoepidemiological Research in Primary Care (BIFAP) during the period 2002-2015, incident cases of IS were identified and Five controls per case were randomly sampled, individually matched to cases for exact age, sex, and date of stroke.

A total of 13,952 cases suffering from IS and 69,199 controls were included. The reduction in risk of IS was observed in both sexes, in individuals older and younger than 70 years, in individuals with pre-existing vascular risk factors, and in patients concomitantly taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Ref: Mazzucchelli et al. Ther. Adv. Musculoskelet. Dis 2022, Vol. 14: 1–16 DOI: 10.1177/ 1759720X221113937

Expert paper on the appropriate use of SYSADOA in controversial clinical situations

Study based on the DELPHI method on the appropriate use in clinical practice of slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis SYSADOAS (Symptomatic Slow Action Drugs for Osteoarthritis): Chondroitin Sulfate (CS), Sulfate of Glucosamine (GS) and the combination of both (CS + GS) and Diacerein. The study had the collaboration of a group of experts from medical societies (SEMG, SEMERGEN, SER, among others) together with OAFI.

The following points were agreed upon: (1) the patient’s phenotype determines the use of oral SYSADOA; (2) oral SYSADOAs are considered adequate in primary osteoarthritis (knee, hand, and hip) and in some types of secondary osteoarthritis; They are not considered adequate in erosive AO of the hands, shoulder, spine, and ankle; (3) Oral SYSADOA can be prescribed to patients with cardiovascular risk or disease, digestive disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, type 2 diabetes and, with the exception of diacerein, in patients with esophageal reflux. There was no agreement on the prescription of oral SYSADOA in patients with liver and kidney disease.

Ref: Monfort et al. Reumatol Clin. 2020; 17 (10):595–600.

DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2020.06.007

Patients' view of osteoarthritis: Global Osteoarthritis Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)

The Osteoarthritis Patients Task Force (OA Task Force), led by OAFI, conducted the first global patient survey to analyze quality of life (QoL) and patient perceptions of healthcare. The aim was to collect data on the perception of patients to understand their needs and expectations in order to improve the treatment of OA. Through an online survey carried out in six countries, demographic data, characteristics of clinical symptoms, perception of care, treatment and information provided by health professionals were analyzed; and the influence of osteoarthritis on daily activities and quality of life.

The results of the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics to characterize the responses of the patients. 84.2% of those surveyed declared pain or tenderness as the main symptoms. 91.1% experienced limitations in their physical activities and 42.3% were not satisfied with their current treatment. 86% had comorbidities, especially hypertension and obesity. 51.3% and 78% of the respondents would like to have access to pharmacological or non-pharmacological/non-surgical treatments, respectively.

These results allow us to conclude that osteoarthritis has a significant impact on patients’ daily activities and on their desire to play an active role in the management of this disease. Patients are seeking additional treatments, underscoring the need to invest in clinical research, apply OA preventive measures and properly manage interventions to improve the OA healthcare value chain.

Ref: Vitaloni et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2020) 21:727

Global management of patients with knee osteoarthritis begins with life management: a systematic review

The purpose of this review is to summarize existing information on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to analyze the reported individual factors that may influence it.

The studies analyzed reported a worse QoL compared to a control group. When women were compared to men, women reported worse QoL. Obesity and lack of physical activity were associated with lower QoL scores. Self-management/self-control programs taught by health professionals improved the QoL of these patients, while poverty, a low educational level, anxiety, depression, and lack of family and social relationships reduce it. In general, the surgical interventions produced good to excellent results; although the results varied based on age and weight.

In conclusion, we can state that KOA has a substantial impact on QoL. It is important to highlight that education and management programs designed to help these patients improve their quality of life. These data are a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to have a better understanding of the disease and the vision of patients.

Ref: Vitaloni et al. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2019) 20:493