A Cohort Study: Comparative Analysis of Paraffin Therapy Effects in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

초록

Purpose (the aim of the study): Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are common rheumatic conditions characterized by joint pain and inflammation. Paraffin therapy has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment, but its comparative effectiveness in OA and RA remains unclear. This study aims to assess the clinical characteristics, pain scores, and joint parameters in patients with OA and RA undergoing paraffin therapy, providing insights into the differential treatment responses between the two conditions. Methods: A cohort of 64 OA and 68 RA patients was recruited, and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, BMI, duration of diagnosis, hand nodules, smoking history, and medication use were recorded. Pain scores (Visual Analog Scale) at rest and with activity were assessed at the beginning, after 4 weeks, and after 12 weeks of paraffin therapy. Joint counts for painful, tender, and swelling joints were also documented at these time points. Results: Clinical characteristics revealed subtle differences between OA and RA groups, with RA patients exhibiting a higher prevalence of hand nodules and concurrent medication use. Pain scores at rest and with activity showed no significant differences between OA and RA groups at the beginning, after 4 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Joint counts demonstrated comparable numbers of painful and tender joints, with a significant reduction in swelling joints after 4 and 12 weeks in OA patients. Conclusions: Paraffin therapy appears to have a similar impact on pain scores in OA and RA patients, suggesting comparable treatment responses. While both groups exhibit a reduction in swelling joints, the significant decrease observed in OA patients implies a potentially more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect in this group.