A systematic review was undertaken examining the impact of comorbid osteoarthritis on health outcomes for people aged 50 years or older with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or obesity.
The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42015023417). Relevant electronic databases and grey literature were systematically searched for studies published in English between January 2005 and December 2016. Two reviewers independently screened studies for selection using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and independently completed methodological quality review. Data was extracted at study level by one reviewer and independently checked by a second reviewer, using a standardized form. The results across studies were qualitatively synthesized with outcomes described and summarized.
Of 1456 articles, we identified 15 relevant studies, with nine good to high quality studies describing significant negative impact of osteoarthritis on outcomes for cardiovascular diseases. There were too few studies focussing on diabetes and obesity to make conclusions in regard to these diseases.
This review provides evidence that osteoarthritis should not be overlooked when impacts of chronic disease on health outcomes and related health service use are considered. There is a clear need for more studies that consider the impacts of osteoarthritis on comorbid disease, especially those that consider the impact of osteoarthritis beyond the morbidity impacts. The management of comorbid osteoarthritis should be addressed for those with cardiovascular disease, and treatment choices considered given this association.