| Summary: | Aim of the work: To determine the relation between knee synovitis detected by ultrasound (US) and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Patients and methods: The study included 40 patients with primary KOA and 40 age and sex matched control. Patients were evaluated using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Laboratory investigations included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), matrix metalloproteinase-mediated breakdown of CRP (CRPM), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). High resolution US examination of knee joints (grey-scale and power Doppler) was done for assessment of synovitis. Results: The patients were 37 females and 3 males, the mean age was 45.5 ± 9.25 years, 50% were housewives. Tenderness was grade 1 in 45%, 2 in 40% and 3 in 15%; 82.5% has swelling and 87.5% had crepitus; the WOMAC score was 57 (5–112); pain-index 10 ± 4.2; stiffness index 6.0 ± 2.01 and physical function 41 ± 13.55. Sonographically, 29(72.5%) had grey-scale synovitis (effusion and synovial hypertrophy) and 5(12.5%) patients had a positive Doppler signal. The serum levels of the hsCRP, CRPM, NO, H2O2 and MDA were signficantly increased in the patients compared to the control (p < 0.001 for all). There was no significant difference of the studied laboratory parameters according to the presence and absence of the sonographic findings. Conclusions: Although the serum levels of both inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly higher in OA patients compared to the control, there was no correlation with the sonographic findings of synovitis. Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, Synovitis, High sensitivity-CRP, CRPM, Oxidative stress, WOMAC
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