Abstract
Crystal associated arthritides are very common and highly painful rheumatic disorders. When left untreated, patients suffer from frequent inflammatory episodes, accumulate joint damage, and have an increased risk of serious comorbidities. To diagnose these ‘crystallopathies’, rheumatologists draw joint fluid from the patient, which is analyzed with a polarized light microscope. This is difficult to do, however, and mistakes are therefore common.
In this thesis, we explore the integration of Raman spectroscopy with the already common polarized light microscope to increase the specificity of synovial fluid analysis. Doing so allowed us not only to better diagnose known pathologies such as gout and calcium pyrophosphate associated arthritis, but also unlocked a potential to identify new or uncommon crystals and microparticles which have a potential to be a biomarker for joint disease. Potential application areas include osteoarthritis and periprosthetic inflammation.
Overall, our technology has proven itself to be of value to any rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon treating crystal associated joint disease. Our new perspective offers improved insights in synovial crystals which, hopefully, can lead to new methods for treatment.
In this thesis, we explore the integration of Raman spectroscopy with the already common polarized light microscope to increase the specificity of synovial fluid analysis. Doing so allowed us not only to better diagnose known pathologies such as gout and calcium pyrophosphate associated arthritis, but also unlocked a potential to identify new or uncommon crystals and microparticles which have a potential to be a biomarker for joint disease. Potential application areas include osteoarthritis and periprosthetic inflammation.
Overall, our technology has proven itself to be of value to any rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon treating crystal associated joint disease. Our new perspective offers improved insights in synovial crystals which, hopefully, can lead to new methods for treatment.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 28 Nov 2024 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
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Print ISBNs | 978-90-365-6346-8 |
Electronic ISBNs | 978-90-365-6347-5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Nov 2024 |