Guest guest Posted July 1, 2003 Report Share Posted July 1, 2003 I found this article in the " Arthritis Health Monitor " . For those of us with spongyolosis or DDD, you should read this. There is also wonderful info about RA too. Mark this page as a favorite- www.healthmonitor.com A new test identifies, RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE OSTEO-ARTHRITIS The clearest sigh of OA is the gradual loss of a joints cartilage, the protective tissue that supports the joint and prevents the bones/ vertebra from rubbing together. In people with OA, the cartilage is destroyed and excreted from the body faster than it is made. According to new research, the severity of this imbalance can be gauged by measuring 2 molecular markers (substances released during bodily processes). The study found that some people with knee OA had abnormally low blood level of PIIANP, a marker of cartilage creation, and abnormally high urine levels of CTX-II, a marker of cartilage destruction. And those with the markers were more than 8 times more likely to have rapid progression of OA during the coming year. These markers will help doctors to identify patients who would benefit from special treatments to stop rapid joint destruction. The article about RA was too long to retype. But go to the website listed above and you can see the whole article. Your friend and partner in pain. a in AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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