Calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) is a common cause of acute and chronic arthritis, especially in the elderly population. There is a paucity of data regarding the management of CPPD disease, which is currently based on expert opinion and evidence derived from the treatment of gout. We conducted a systematic literature review in order to identify the available treatment options for CPPD, and describe their efficacy and safety.
Online databases were searched from inception to May of 2020 using the search terms: (CPPD [Title/Abstract] OR CPDD [Title/Abstract] OR calcium pyrophosphate [Title/Abstract] OR chondrocalcinosis [Title/Abstract]) AND (treatment [Title/Abstract] OR management [Title/Abstract] OR therapy [Title/Abstract]). Articles evaluating the use of specific treatment agents for CPPD were eligible for inclusion. Case reports were excluded.
A total of 22 eligible studies and 403 unique patients were selected. We identified only 3 randomized, double-blind, controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and magnesium carbonate in CPPD, and these therapeutic options, with the exception of methotrexate, have shown efficacy and reduction of pain intensity. Further, 10 case series and 9 cohort studies were included. Intramuscular and intra-articular glucocorticoids, ACTH, as well as the biologic agents anakinra and tocilizumab appear to be efficacious in CPPD. Intra-articular injections of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate, hyaluronic acid and yttrium, as well as synovial membrane destruction by laser irradiation were associated with symptomatic improvement. Due to significant study heterogenicity, direct comparison between studies was not possible.
There are a limited number of studies evaluating the treatment of CPPD. High quality evidence is rather limited, while commonly administered agents such as NSAIDs, colchicine and corticosteroids have not been evaluated by RCTs. The need for high quality evidence supporting specific treatment modalities is urgent for this common yet neglected form of arthritis.