Low Public Awareness Of Symptoms Of Arthritis

Despite the number of arthritis sufferers in Britain and the severity of their symptoms, a recent MORI survey found that fairly low proportions of the public are aware of this group of common conditions. Fewer than half (48%) of adults asked about the different types of arthritis mentioned RA, and only a third (33%) mentioned OA (5). When asked more closely about RA, only 5% of adults specifically mentioned inflammation, and only 11% mentioned aching joints in relation to osteoarthritis.

The MORI survey also found that only 7% thought their friends, relatives or colleagues with arthritis were 'very happy' with the level of information they receive about arthritis and the current treatment options available (5*). Dr McKenna also commented that 'the results of the MORI survey suggest that we need to raise the awareness about the symptoms of arthritis in order to help people help themselves'.

Technical details

MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 500 adults aged 15+ in Great Britain (GB) from 14-20 April 2000. All interviews were conducted by telephone using CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). Data have been weighted to the known GB profile.

A new treatment is now available in the UK for doctors to prescribe which has already been used to treat millions of arthritis patients in America. Celebrex174 (celecoxib) is the first COX-2 specific inhibitor, or coxib, to become available for the treatment of the symptoms of both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Celecoxib blocks the enzyme COX-2, which plays an important role in the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.(1)

'In clinical trials celecoxib was found to have an efficacy profile similar to NSAIDs, but with better safety and tolerability profiles' said Dr Frank McKenna, consultant rheumatologist from Trafford General Hospital, Manchester, who has been involved in the clinical development of the product. In studies the most common side effects of celecoxib were dyspepsia, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, which were generally mild to moderate.(2)

Sufferers of both OA and RA often face a lifetime of therapy. Their need for long-term treatment to maintain an acceptable level of pain control means that the safety and tolerability profiles of a treatment are important concerns. The side effects associated with standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), currently the mainstay of treatment, are unpredictable and range from indigestion (3) to fatal gastrointestinal bleeds.(4)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder characterised by pain, joint swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility. The prevalence of OA, as measured by X-ray, increases up to 65 years of age, when at least 50% of the population is affected; the prevalence increases at an accelerated rate beyond 65 years (6). Both OA and RA affect more women than men; six times more women than men under 45 years have RA (7). In RA, inflammation of the joint lining results in pain, swelling and loss of function. It can lead to severe damage of the joints and to deformities. Thirty seven percent of people with arthritis are in constant pain and 60% have their sleep regularly disturbed (8). Over eight million people consult their family doctor about arthritis and it is the biggest single cause of disability in the UK (8).

Celebrex is available on prescription only.

References

1. Seibert K, Zhang Y, Leahy K, et al. Pharmacological and biochemical demonstration of the role of cyclooxygenase 2 in inflammation and pain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 1994; 91: 12013-12017.
2. Bensen WG, Zhao SZ, Burke TA et al. Upper gastrointestinal tolerability of celecoxib, a COX-2 specific inhibitor compared to naproxen and placebo J Rheumatol 2000; in press.
3. Hawkey CJ, Cullen DJ, Pearson G, et al. Pharmacoepidemiology of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug use in Nottingham general practices. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000; 14: 177- 185.
4. Blower AL, Brooks A, Fenn GC, et al. Emergency admissions for upper gastrointestinal disease and their relation to NSAID use. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1997; 11: 283-291.
5. MORI social research. Awareness of Arthritis. April 2000. *Please note that 17% said 'Don't know'
6. Kirwan JR, Silman AJ. Epidemiological, sociological and environmental aspects of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol 1987; 1: 467-489.
7. Symmons DP, Barrett EM, Bankhead CR, Scott DG, Silman AJ. The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the United Kingdom: results from the Norfolk Arthritis Register. Br J Rheumatol 1994; 33: 735-739.
8. British Society of Rheumatology, Arthritis Care, Arthritis Research Campaign. Facts, Figures and Estimated Costs of Arthritis. British Society of Rheumatology Web site, www.rheumatology.org.uk