Prognostic value of B-score for predicting joint replacement in the context of osteoarthritis phenotypes: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100458
• Publication Date: 2024-03-04T08:09:25Z
• Authors: F. Saxer; D. Demanse; A. Brett; D. Laurent; L. Mindeholm; P.G. Conaghan; M. Schieker
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; Cluster analysis; OA imaging; 0302 clinical medicine; Bone shape; Patient stratification; RC925-935; ORIGINAL PAPER; Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Developing new therapies for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) requires improved prediction of disease progression. This study evaluated the prognostic value of clinical clusters and machine-learning derived quantitative 3D bone shape B-score for predicting total and partial knee replacement (KR).This retrospective study used longitudinal data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. A previous study used patients' clinical profiles to delineate phenotypic clusters. For these clusters, the distribution of B-scores was assessed (employing Tukey's method). The value of both cluster allocation and B-score for KR-prediction was then evaluated using multivariable Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves for time-to-event analyses. The impact of using B-score vs. cluster was evaluated using a likelihood ratio test for the multivariable Cox model; global performances were assessed by concordance statistics (Harrell's C-index) and time dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.B-score differed significantly for the individual clinical clusters (p ​< ​0.001). Overall, 9.4% of participants had a KR over 9 years, with a shorter time to event in clusters with high B-score at baseline. Those clusters were characterized clinically by a high rate of comorbidities and potential signs of inflammation. Both phenotype and B-score independently predicted KR, with better prediction if combined (P ​< ​0.001). B-score added predictive value in groups with less pain and radiographic severity but limited physical activity.B-scores correlated with phenotypes based on clinical patient profiles. B-score and phenotype independently predicted KR surgery, with higher predictive value if combined. This can be used for patient stratification in drug development and potentially risk prediction in clinical practice.