The Cross-Sectional Relationship of Hemoglobin Levels and Functional Outcomes in Women with Self-Reported Osteoarthritis: Results from the Women's Health Initiative

In cross-sectional analyses of postmenopausal women with srOA, differences in hgb levels are related to differences in functional outcomes of overall health, physical function, and vitality at clinically important levels. Prospective studies evaluating whether changes in hgb levels result in changes in functional outcomes in participants with osteoarthritis are needed to confirm of our findings and before any changes in therapeutics based on hemoglogin levels are considered in the care of patients with osteoarthritis.