Tumor necrosis factor-alpha in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid predicts treatment effects on pain by intra-articular glucocorticoid treatment.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid and blood on the treatment effect on TMJ pain by intra-articular injection of glucocorticoid in patients with chronic inflammatory TMJ disorders. High pretreatment level of TNF-alpha in the synovial fluid was associated with a decrease of TNF-alpha and elimination of pain upon maximal mouth opening. Elimination of this TMJ pain was accordingly associated with decrease in synovial fluid level of TNF-alpha. There was also a significant decrease of C-reactive protein and TMJ resting pain after treatment. In conclusion, this study indicates that presence of TNF-alpha in the synovial fluid predicts a treatment effect of intra-articular injection of glucocorticoid on TMJ movement pain in patients with chronic TMJ inflammatory disorders.
Fredriksson
Lars
L
Department of Clinical Oral Physiology, Institute of Odontology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Alstergren
Per
P
Kopp
Sigvard
S
D001168:Arthritis / Q000378:metabolism; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000378:metabolism; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha