Abstract
More than one million people are affected by Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) in a limited endemic area. However, few studies focused on the clinical features of adult KBD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of adult KBD patients who were younger than 50 years of age during a low incidence period. A special questionnaire was designed that surveyed general data, clinical symptoms, and signs and included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Anthropometrics, the joint VAS, the range of joint motion (ROM), and joint function were measured. The VAS and joint dysfunction were compared among the different joints of extremities, and the relationship among the VAS, ROM, age, course of KBD, and number of enlarged knee and elbow joints elbow was analyzed. Two hundred forty-nine adult Tibetan KBD patients, matched with 249 healthy control subjects, have been surveyed. The VAS results show that the knee is the joint associated with the most pain, followed by the elbow. The elbow shows a higher percentage of limited ROM (47.0 %). The number of enlarged joints has a significant correlation with the VAS or elbow and knee ROM compared with the age or course of disease (P < 0.05). Severe elbow and knee lesions are important clinical features of KBD in adults younger than 50 years of age during a low incidence period. The number of enlarged joints can partially predict the VAS or ROM of elbow and knee and may be used for evaluating the patient’s condition and function.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Mathieu F, Begaux F, Suetens C et al (2001) Anthropometry and clinical features of Kashin–Beck disease in central Tibet. Int Orthop 25(3):138–141
Moreno-Reyes R, Mathieu F, Boelaert M et al (2003) Selenium and iodine supplementation of rural Tibetan children affected by Kashin–Beck osteoarthropathy. Am J Clin Nutr 78:137–144
Pasteels JL, Liu FD, Hinsenkamp M et al (2001) Histology of Kashin–Beck lesions. Int Orthop 25:151–153
Wang LH, Fu Y, Shi YX et al (2011) T-2 toxin induces degenerative articular changes in rodents: link to Kaschin–Beck disease. Toxicol Pathol 39(3):502–507
Malaisse F, Mathieu F (2008) Big bone disease. A multidisciplinary approach of KBD in Tibet Autonomous Region (P.R. China). Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux, ASBL (Belgium) 15:70–78
Mathieu F, Begaux F, Lan ZY et al (1997) Clinical manifestations of Kashin–Beck disease in Nyemo Valley, Tibet. Int Orthop 21:151–156
Chasseur C, Suetens C, Nolard N et al (1997) Fungal contamination in barley and Kashin–Beck disease in Tibet. Lancet 350:1074
Chasseur C, Suetens C, Michel V et al (2001) A 4-year study of the mycological aspects of Kashin–Beck disease in Tibet. Int Orthop 25:154–158
Haubruge E, Chasseur C, Debouck C (2001) The prevalence of mycotoxins in Kashin–Beck disease. Int Orthop 25:159–161
Moreno-Reyes R, Suetens C, Mathieu F et al (1998) Kashin–Beck osteoarthropathy in rural Tibet in relation to selenium and iodine status. N Engl J Med 339:1112–1120
La Grange M, Mathieu F, Begaux F et al (2001) Kashin–Beck disease and drinking water in Central Tibet. Int Orthop 25:167–169
Schepman K, Engelbert RH, Visser MM et al (2011) Kashin Beck disease: more than just osteoarthrosis: a cross-sectional study regarding the influence of body function- structures and activities on level of participation. Int Orthop 35(5):767–776
Xiong G (2001) Diagnostic, clinical and radiological characteristics of Kashin–Beck disease in Shaanxi Province, PR China. Int Orthop 25(3):147–150
Yang J (2003) Signs and methods of observing the disease condition and treatment effects of adult Kashin–Beck disease. Chin J Endemiology 22(6):512–516
Bao W, Liu N, Gao B et al (2003) Survey of adult Kashin–Beck disease at Guanghui village. Chin J Endemiology 22(5):410–413
Mathieu F, Suetens C, Begaux F et al (2001) Effects of physical therapy on patients with Kashin–Beck disease in Tibet. Int Orthop 25:191–193
Zhang W, Doherty M, Leeb BF et al (2009) EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis: report of a task force of ESCISIT. [Review]. Ann Rheum Dis 68(1):8–17
Wang Y, Yang Z, Gilula LA et al (1996) Kashin–Beck disease: radiographic appearance in the hands and wrists. Radiology 201:265–270
Hinsenkamp M, Ryppens F, Begaux F et al (2001) The anatomical distribution of radiological abnormalities in Kashin–Beck disease in Tibet. Int Orthop 25(3):142–147
Rychel JK (2010) Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis. Top Companion Anim Med 25(1):20–25
Davies AP, Glasgow MM (2000) Imaging in osteoarthritis: a guide to requesting plain X-rays of the degenerate knee. Knee 7(3):139–143
McDonough CM, Jette AM (2010) The contribution of osteoarthritis to functional limitations and disability. Clin Geriatr Med 26(3):387–399
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by a key project in The Eleventh Five-Year National Science and Technology Pillar Program, People’s Republic of China (2007BA125B04). We are very thankful for the help of the Technology Division, the Health Division, and the governments of Gaduo Township, Rongmuda Township, Nanmuda Township, and Gangmuda Township of Rangtang County.
Disclosures
None.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Li, Y., Zhou, Z., Shen, B. et al. Clinical features of Kashin–Beck disease in adults younger than 50 years of age during a low incidence period: severe elbow and knee lesions. Clin Rheumatol 32, 317–324 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-012-2115-0
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-012-2115-0