[Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, a possible marker of synovitis in early knee joint osteoarthrosis].

Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were measured in 88 patients with early knee joint osteoarthrosis and 20 healthy donors. All the patients were examined clinically, by radiography and arthrosonography. COMP was measured with respect to the stage of knee joint osteoarthrosis and to the presence or absence of synovitis. It was lowest in patients showing no changes on X-ray images and free from synovitis. The COMP level increased as the pathogenic process progressed. In patients with synovitis, it was significantly higher than in the absence of joint inflammation. It is concluded that COMP level may be a useful marker of synovitis in early gonarthrosis.