Factors predicting long-term efficacy of Hylan GF-20 viscosupplementation in knee osteoarthritis

A Cross-Sectional Study of Factors Predicting the Duration of the Efficacy of Viscosupplementation in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: An advanced radiological stage and obesity are predictive of poorer and shorter responses to viscosupplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Very little is known regarding the impact of other factors such as sport practice, comorbidities, or anatomical features of OA. Methods: This study aimed to investigate patients' and OA characteristics associated with the duration of the effectiveness (DE) of viscosupplementation in patients with knee OA. It was a cross-sectional, single-centre clinical trial in patients with knee OA treated with intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injection(s) within the previous 3 years. The investigators collected data regarding demographic and radiographic features (Kellgren-Lawrence grade and involved knee compartments), dosing regimen (single or repeat injections), the presence and volume of joint effusion, previous or concomitant IA corticosteroid injection, the number of previous viscosupplementations, and comorbidities. Patients completed a questionnaire including the self-assessment of DE (the number of weeks during which viscosupplementation was effective on symptoms), the activity level (sedentary, active, or athletic), and the level of sport activity (light, moderate, or intensive). Predictors of the DE were studied in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In total, 105 patients (149 knees) were analysed (62% women, mean age 66.1 ± 13.2 years, mean BMI 27.5 ± 7.5 kg/m2). The mean DE was 48.2 ± 24.8 weeks. In bivariate analysis, the predictors of a shorter DE were BMI > 27.5 kg/m2, more than three previous viscosupplementations, Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, sedentary patients, and multicompartmental involvement. In the multivariate analysis, four independent factors remained associated with a shorter DE: BMI > 27.5 kg/m2, multicompartmental knee involvement, number of viscosupplementations >3, and sedentary lifestyle. A statistically significant association between a longer DE and arterial hypertension was found, suggesting a beneficial effect of certain antihypertensive medications. Conclusions: This study confirms that being overweight significantly reduces the duration of the effectiveness of viscosupplementation. It also shows that viscosupplementation is more lastingly effective in unicompartmental OA and among active or athletic patients. The duration of effectiveness decreases when the treatment is repeated more than three times.

EUROVISCO Good Practice Recommendations for a First Viscosupplementation in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

RATIONALE

Viscosupplementation (VS) with hyaluronic acid is widely used in the management of knee osteoarthritis. There is no clear recommendation on the decision-making to achieve VS.

DESIGN

Based on extensive research of the literature and expert opinion, the members of the EUROVISCO (European Viscosupplementation Consensus Group) task force were asked to give their degree of agreement with 60 issues, using a Delphi method.

RESULTS

The expert panel achieved unanimous agreement in favor of the following statements: It is recommended to assess pain on a visual or 10-point numeric scale before considering VS. VS can be considered for patients with pain scores between 3 and 8. A standard x-ray must be obtained before the decision of VS. If the x-ray is normal, osteoarthritis must be confirmed by MRI or computed tomography (CT) arthrogram before considering VS. The aims of VS are relieving pain, improving function, and reducing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) consumption. The use of VS must not be considered for treating an osteoarthritis flare. VS can be envisaged as a first-line pharmacological treatment in patients having a contra-indication to NSAIDs or analgesics. VS can be considered in patients with contra-indications to arthroplasty. In the case of severe comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, renal failure), VS can avoid the use of potentially dangerous treatments. VS can be considered in patients receiving antiplatelet agents, vitamin K antagonists, and direct factor Xa or thrombin inhibitors. Five other statements obtained a high level of consensus.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations, illustrated in a decision algorithm, have been established to help practitioners in the decision-making of knee VS.

The Association between Radiographic Features and the Duration of Effectiveness of a Single Injection of Extended-Release Hyaluronic Acid (HANOX-M-XL) in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Trial

BACKGROUND

Advanced radiological stage of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is predictive of poor response to viscosupplementation (VS). To date, the impact of x-ray features on the duration of effectiveness (DE) of VS has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the radiological features associated with DE of VS in patients with knee OA.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study in patients with knee OA treated with 1 injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA). The primary outcome was DE, self-assessed by the patients in weeks of effectiveness. Radiological features (joint space narrowing-JSN topography and Kellgren-Lawrence [K-L] grade) associated with DE were studied.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients-33 females (76 knees)-were analyzed. The average DE was 52.0 (24.7) weeks (range, 13-155 weeks). In the bivariate analysis, DE was 14 weeks longer in those with K-L grades 1 and 2 (62.6 ± 36.4 weeks) than in those with K-L 3 and 4 (48.9 ± 18.6) (P = 0.03). DE was not significantly different according to the involved compartment(s). It was significantly longer in men than in women (60 ± 31.4 vs. 47 ± 16 weeks; P = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, K-L grade (1-2 vs. 3-4) (P = 0.007), male gender (0.02), and older age (0.04) were independently associated with a longer DE.

CONCLUSION

DE of a single injection of extended-release HA is longer in K-L 1-2 than in K-L 3-4 OA knees, regardless of the JSN topography. However, even the patients with more advanced OA benefited from HANOX-M-XL injection for an average duration barely less than 1 year.

Single Injection of Cross-Linked Hyaluronate in Knee Osteoarthritis: A 52-Week Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: to compare the 52-week effectiveness and safety between HYAJOINT Plus (HJP) and Durolane in knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Methods: consecutive patients received a single injection of 3 mL HJP or Durolane. The primary outcome was a visual analog scale (VAS) pain measurement at 26 weeks post-injection. Secondary outcomes included other clinical, satisfaction, and safety assessments for 52 weeks. Results: 142 patients were equally randomized. At week 26, the HJP group had less VAS pain than the Durolane group (18.1 ± 9.5 versus 24.4 ± 14.0, p = 0.001). Both groups showed improvement in their VAS pain and stiffness scores, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and total scores for 52 weeks after injection (p < 0.001). However, the HJP group showed lower VAS pain and stiffness scores, reduced WOMAC pain and stiffness scores, a shorter Timed “Up & Go” (TUG) time, and a higher satisfaction score than the Durolane group for 39 weeks (p < 0.05). Only mild and self-limited adverse events occurred (40.8%). Conclusion: While a single injection of either HJP or Durolane is safe and effective for at least 52 weeks, HJP provided superior improvement in terms of VAS pain and stiffness scores, WOMAC pain and stiffness scores, and satisfaction score within 39 weeks of treatment.

One-Year, Efficacy and Safety Open Label Study, with a Single Injection of a New Hyaluronan for Knee OA: The SOYA Trial

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of a single injection of a new formulation of hyaluronic acid (MPS-HA2%) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis after 12 months’ follow-up.

Patients and Methods

Prospective, single-arm, multicentre, open-label, 12-month follow-up study. Patients with Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) 2–3 and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores of ≥40–< 80 mm received a single injection of MPS-HA2%. The primary outcome was the reduction in VAS pain scores from baseline, and the secondary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the minimum clinically important improvement (MCII), and patient and investigator global assessments (PGA, IGA) measured on 5-point Likert scale. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study for safety purposes.

Results

A total of 101 patients (mean age: 68 years; 74% female; and 78% overweight) were included. The mean reduction in pain at 12 months was 37.7%; the total WOMAC score improved by 36.5% and the pain, stiffness and physical function subscores returned improvements of 32.1%, 34.1% and 32.7%, respectively (p=0.0001 with respect to baseline). At 12 months, a statistically significant 62.2% of patients obtained an improvement equal to or greater than the MCII. The mean PGA score at baseline was 2.44 and 1.46 at 12 months (p<0.05), and the mean IGA scores at equivalent timepoints were 2.29 and 1.48 (p<0.05). Fourteen patients received a second injection at the 6-month follow-up visit. Eight patients reported a total of 12 treatment-related adverse events that were local, non-serious and of mild-to-moderate intensity.

Conclusion

With just a single intra-articular injection, this not controlled trial suggests that MPS-HA2% is effective 12 months after the procedure in most cases. Patient tolerability and safety were both optimal (NCT03852914).

Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Synovial Fluids Exhibit New and Distinct Tribological Endotypes

Inferior synovial lubrication is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA), and synovial fluid (SF) lubrication and composition are variable among OA patients. Hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplementation is a widely used therapy for improving SF viscoelasticity and lubrication, but it is unclear how the effectiveness of HA viscosupplements varies with arthritic endotype. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the HA viscosupplement, Hymovis®, on the lubricating properties of diseased SF from patients with noninflammatory OA and inflammatory arthritis (IA). The composition (cytokine, HA, and lubricin concentrations) of the SF was measured as well as the mechanical properties (rheology, tribology) of the SF alone and in a 1:1 mixture with the HA viscosupplement. Using rotational rheometry, no difference in SF viscosity was detected between disease types, and the addition of HA significantly increased all fluids' viscosities. In noninflammatory OA SF, friction coefficients followed a typical Stribeck pattern, and their magnitude was decreased by the addition of HA. While some of the IA SF also showed typical Stribeck behavior, a subset showed more erratic behavior with highly variable and larger friction coefficients. Interestingly, this aberrant behavior was not eliminated by the addition of HA, and it was associated with low concentrations of lubricin. Aberrant SF exhibited significantly lower effective viscosities compared to noninflammatory OA and IA SF with typical tribological behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that different endotypes of arthritis exist with respect to lubrication, which may impact the effectiveness of HA viscosupplements in reducing friction.

Injection route affects intra-articular hyaluronic acid distribution and clinical outcome in viscosupplementation treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a combined cadaver study and randomized clinical trial

The coverage of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the impaired cartilage should be the precondition to exert its beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) according to the pharmacological mechanism. However, the intra-articular distribution of HA might be correlated with the route of drug delivery. Forty-two cadaver knees with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis were given anteromedial (AM) or medial midpatellar (MMP) injection of HA (molecular weight 600-1500 kD) followed by gait stimulation. Although 2.5 ml HA delivered through both routes failed to cover the entire cartilage, HA covered 96.12% cartilage of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) and 71.44% of medial femorotibial joint (FTJ) through MMP route, whereas mainly distributed into FTJ and posterior condyles through AM route. HA in the MMP group distributed more in PFJ than that in the AM group (P < 0.001), but no significant difference presented in medial FTJ (P = 0.084). The clinical efficacy was also associated with the route of drug delivery. One hundred patients with unilateral mild-to-moderate KOA were recruited and randomly assigned to receive five weekly HA injections with AM route (n = 50) or MMP route (n = 50). Patients in the MMP group obtained better improvement in WOMAC index total score, pain score, stiffness score, and Lequesne index total score over the entire follow-up period, as compared to patients in the AM group (all P < 0.01). More patients in the MMP group claimed pain relief (71.7%, P = 0.024) and felt satisfying (63.1%, P = 0.007) than in the AM group at the end of follow-up. Therefore, intra-articular HA injection through MMP route is recommended in treating mild-to-moderate KOA. Graphical Abstract .

EUROVISCO Recommendations for Optimizing the Clinical Results of Viscosupplementation in Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

The 3 aims of the work were to identify population subgroups that can benefit the most from viscosupplementation (VS), to provide recommendations on injection techniques, and to discuss VS appropriateness in clinical situations that are commonplace in daily practice.

METHODS

The task force members voted on their degree of agreement on 27 statements, 36 recommendations, and 22 clinical scenarios using a 9-point scale. The strength of agreement/appropriateness/recommendation (SOA/SOR) was classified as strong if the median agreement score was ≥8. The level of consensus (LOC) was also obtained.

RESULTS

Among the assumed predictors for VS failure, obesity, radiographic severity, large synovial fluid effusion, severe patellofemoral involvement, major malalignment, and gross joint instability received a large majority of agreements. The lateral mid-patellar approach was recommended for knee injection. Imaging guidance was unanimously recommended for hip and ankle. Agreement was achieved to strictly respect the dosing regimen proven by controlled trials. There was agreement for treating with VS patients with mild to moderate knee and hip OA, with normal weight or moderate overweight, insufficiently improved by first-line therapies, or who do not wish get oral treatment or who have contraindications to pain killers. The group considered the patient's wishes as a key element in therapeutic decision making.

CONCLUSION

Based on literature data and clinical experience, the EUROVISCO group proposed a set of recommendations for optimizing the results of VS, aimed to help practitioners, especially in some cases in which the patients' specificities make the therapeutic decision difficult.

A Single Intra-Articular Injection of Gel-200 for Treatment of Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Knee Is More Effective than Phosphate Buffered Saline at 6 Months: A Subgroup Analysis of a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Many clinical trials of viscosupplementation have been conducted, although only the Gel-200 (primary) trial included a different patient population. A subgroup analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of single intra-articular injections of Gel-200 with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was performed to demonstrate its benefit as treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in a population similar to those of other reported trials of viscosupplementation.

DESIGN

The subgroup population was defined as patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population who met the specified criteria. Changes from baseline in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores following treatment with Gel-200 or PBS were derived from a longitudinal model and treatment differences compared between groups at weeks 12 and 26, and over 26 weeks.

RESULTS

The subgroup included 311 subjects (152 Gel-200; 159 PBS). Mean improvements from baseline in WOMAC pain subscores in the Gel-200 over PBS groups were statistically significant at week 12 (P = 0.031) and week 26 (P = 0.019). Treatment group differences in WOMAC stiffness and total scores were statistically significant at week 26 (P = 0.023 and P = 0.036, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of Gel-200 following a single injection for knee osteoarthritis was demonstrated in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and total scores as well as clinically important improvements in pain at 26 weeks in this subset of patients with comparable characteristics to populations evaluated in other viscosupplementation treatment trials.

Impact of obesity, structural severity and their combination on the efficacy of viscosupplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background

Obesity and radiological severity have been identified to be independent predictors of a low rate of response to viscosupplementation (VS), in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Is that enough to formally refute VS in such patients in whom surgery is sometimes contraindicated?

Objectives

To compare pain and function scores before and 6 months after knee VS, according to the weight status (obese versus non obese), the radiological severity (mild/moderate versus severe) and both combined.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of a prospective, double blind, randomized, multicentre trial, comparing 2 viscosupplements, in patients with symptomatic knee OA. Patients were classified according to body mass index (BMI < or ≥ 30 kg.^− 2), OARSI radiological grade (1–2 versus 3) and OMERACT-OARSI response criteria (Yes/No). WOMAC between-group comparisons (obese versus non-obese, OARSI 1–2 versus 3, and both combined) in all patients and in OMERACT-OARSI Responders, were achieved using Mannn-Whitney U test.

Results

One-hundred and sixty-six patients were analyzed: 28.3% were obese, 44% were OARSI grade 3, 42,2% were neither obese nor OARSI 3, whereas 14.5% were obese and OARSI 3. At baseline WOMAC pain score did not differ according to the patients sub-groups (p > 0.05). Six months after VS, WOMAC pain decreased significantly in all patient sub-groups (all p < 0.01). At month 6, WOMAC pain sub-score was significantly lower in non-obese than in obese patients (4.9 ± 4.1 versus 7.1 ± 4.9; p = 0.008) and in patients OARSI 1–2 versus 3 (4.8 ± 4.3 versus 6.4 ± 4.5; p = 0.009). However, in responder patients there was no difference in pain score and pain decrease related to the weight status and the radiological score.

Conclusion

These results do not confirm our previous conclusions that recommended not performing VS in obese patients with severe knee OA. Although the chances of being a responder were much reduced in these patients, the benefit of patients who respond to treatment was similar to that of subjects with normal weight and mild/moderate OA. Different pain phenotypes, more than overweight and advanced disease, might be the main reason for the success or failure of VS.

Osteoarthritis- a systematic review of long-term safety implications for osteoarthritis of the knee

Background

There is no cure for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and typically patients live approximately 30-years with the disease. Most common medical treatments result in short-term palliation of symptoms with little consideration of long-term risk. This systematic review aims to appraise the current evidence for the long-term (≥12 months) safety of common treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline and PubMed were systematically searched from 1990 to July 2017, inclusive. Inclusion criteria were 1) peer-reviewed publications investigating treatments for KOA referred to in the Australian Clinical Care Standard and/or Therapeutic Guidelines: Rheumatology 2) specifically addressing safety of the treatments 3) with ≥12 months of follow-up and 4) Downs and Black quality score ≥ 13.

Results

Thirty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Lifestyle modifications (moderate exercise and weight loss), paracetamol, glucosamine, Intraarticular Hyaluronic Acid (IAHA) and platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections have a low risk of harm and beneficial ≥12 month outcomes. Although Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) provide pain relief, they are associated with increased risk of medical complications. Cortisone injections are associated with radiological cartilage degeneration at > 12 months. Arthroscopy for degenerative meniscal tears in KOA leads to a 3-fold increase in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). TKA improves primary outcomes of KOA but has a low rate of significant medical complications.

Conclusions

Given the safety and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions such as weight loss and exercise, these should be advocated in all patients due to the low risk of harm. The use of NSAIDs should be minimized to avoid gastrointestinal complications. Treatment with opioids has a lack of evidence for use and a high risk of long-term harm. The use of IAHA and PRP may provide additional symptomatic benefit without the risk of harm. TKA is associated with significant medical complications but is justified by the efficacy of joint replacement in late-stage disease.

Trial registration

PROSPERO International prospective register for systematic reviews; registration number CRD42017072809.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-019-2525-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long-term efficacy of repeated sodium hyaluronate injections in adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease of the knee

AIM

To prospectively evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of repeated sodium hyaluronate injections for the treatment of knee pain due to Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

METHODS

A total of 85 patients with KBD-based knee pain were treated with two cycles of a 5-week course of sodium hyaluronate and received clinical assessments with a follow-up period of 24 months after the first cycle. The primary efficacy measure was the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. The second efficacy measure included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores; and the patients' and physicians' global assessments. Tolerability was evaluated based on adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients (83.5%) completed the final study. The VAS was significantly reduced from 65.06 ± 12.21 mm (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) at baseline to 30.17 ± 11.92 mm at 6 months and was maintained for 24 months (35.79 ± 7.92 mm, P < 0.01 vs baseline). This finding was supported by the secondary variables (the WOMAC A, B and C scores; the total WOMAC scores; and the global assessments of the patients and their physicians at months 6, 12, 18 and 24). The overall incidence of AEs during the first and second cycles was 8 (9.4%) and 7 patients (8.2%), respectively. No serious AEs were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated once yearly cycles of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections may improve knee KBD symptoms during the inbetween cycle period as well as exert a significant carry-over effect for at least 1 year after the repeated cycle. Other randomized double-blind studies are needed to confirm the findings from our study.

Getting Better or Getting Well? The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) Better Predicts Patient's Satisfaction than the Decrease of Pain, in Knee Osteoarthritis Subjects Treated with Viscosupplementation

Background In the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA), patient-reported-outcomes (PROs) are being developed for relevant assessment of pain. The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a relevant cutoff, which allows classifying patients as being in "an acceptable state" or not. Viscosupplementation is a therapeutic modality widely used in patients with knee OA that many patients are satisfied with despite meta-analyses give conflicting results. Objectives To compare, 6 months after knee viscosupplementation, the percentage of patients who reached the PASS threshold (PASS +) with that obtained from other PROs. Methods Data of 53 consecutive patients treated with viscosupplementation (HANOX-M-XL) and followed using a standardized procedure, were analyzed at baseline and month 6. The PROs were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function, patient's global assessment of pain (PGAP), patient's self-assessment of satisfaction, PASS for WOMAC pain and PGAP. Results At baseline, WOMAC pain and PGAP (range 0-10) were 4.6 (1.1) and 6.0 (1.1). At month 6, they were 1.9 (1.2) and 3.1 (5) ( P < 0.0001). At 6 months, 83% of patients were "PASS + pain," 100% "PASS + function," 79% "PASS + PGAP," 79% were satisfied, and 73.6% experienced a ≥50% decrease in WOMAC pain. Among "PASS + pain" and "PASS + PGAP" subjects, 90% and 83.3% were satisfied with the treatment, respectively. Conclusion In daily practice, clinical response to viscosupplementation slightly varies according to PROs. "PASS + PGAP" was the most related to patient satisfaction.

Decision Algorithms for the Retreatment with Viscosupplementation in Patients Suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis: Recommendations from the EUROpean VIScosupplementation COnsensus Group (EUROVISCO)

Background Viscosupplementation (VS) is a symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Although systematic reviews of its repeat use showed favorable benefit/risk ratio, no study has focused on the indication of retreatment. Methods A task force was created to look at issues regarding retreatment with VS in knee osteoarthritis. An attempt was made to reach consensus on several issues: (1) to define treatment "success" and "failure," (2) to determine when to retreat patients successfully treated by a previous VS, (3) to determine how to retreat patients in whom VS failed, (4) to define what to do in case of adverse reaction following previous VS, and (5) to examine the interests of soluble biomarkers to manage retreatment. After debate and review of literature the working group voted on 88 issues. Two "decision trees" were built based on the results of the votes. Results In case of failure, the authors draw attention to the need of a rigorous clinical and radiological analysis, and consider evidence-based medicine. When VS was previously successful, retreatment can be considered after recurrence or increase in pain. However, in subjects with high risk of disease progression, in young patients, and in professional sportsmen, retreatment could be considered systematically, because of the probability of hyaluronic acid to slow osteoarthritis progression. Evidence on soluble biomarkers was not considered as enough strong to support their use as decision tools for patient retreatment. Conclusion The decision algorithms are intended to facilitate consideration of the therapeutic options, in patients with knee osteoarthritis previously treated with VS.

Obesity and radiological severity are associated with viscosupplementation failure in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Viscosupplementation (VS) is still controversial. One of the key points is the lack of well-identified factors of response. We aimed to identify clinical and radiological factors associated with lack of relevant response after intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis patients. A post hoc analysis of the HAV-2012 trial, a controlled, multicentre, double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial comparing 3 weekly IA injections of HA (HAnox-M or BioHA) for symptomatic tibiofemoral OA was performed. At inclusion, demographic, anthropometric, clinical data (WOMAC score, patient global assessment, presence of knee effusion), and radiological data (OARSI grade, patello-femoral involvement) were recorded. VS response was defined according to OMERACT-OARSI response criteria at month 6. Predictors of response were investigated in univariate then in multivariate analysis. One hundred and sixty-six patients with full available data were included. As baseline characteristics and treatment effectiveness were similar between the 2 HA groups, their data were pooled. The mean age was 65.2 [63.7-66.8] years; 101 (60.8%) were women; 73 (44.0%) had severe TF space narrowing. At 6 months, 113 patients (68.1%) were responders. Multivariate analysis showed that obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²⁾ and radiological severity (OARSI grade 3) were significantly associated with VS failure (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, the association of obesity and severe TF space narrowing significantly increased the risk of VS failure. Baseline pain intensity and functional impairment were not associated with VS response. Consequently, IA injection of HA for knee OA should mainly be considered in subjects with low BMI and mild TF space narrowing. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2269-2274, 2017.

Hylan GF-20 Viscosupplementation in the Treatment of Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Clinical Effect Survivorship at 5 Years

Purpose

Controversies remain surrounding the choice of hyaluronic acid products and patient selection. A study was conducted to report the long-term survivorship of intra-articular injection effect of high molecular weight hyaluronic preparation hylan GF-20 (Synvisc-One) for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective observational analysis of a single therapeutic series was carried out. The analysis was conducted to determine therapeutic effect survivorship taking arthroplasty and any other surgical interventions as endpoint results.

Results

Seventy-seven consecutive patients (82 knees) were followed up for five years. At one-year follow-up, 71 knees (87%) responded to treatment and only 8 knees (10%) were offered arthroplasty due to persistence of symptoms. At five-year follow-up, 41 (50%) were still considered responders. During the study period, repeat injection was given in 9 knees (11%). Arthroplasty (either total or unicompartmental) was required in 26 (31%). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis of therapeutic effect demonstrated 67% survival at 5 years with arthroplasty as endpoint and 58% survival at 5 years with all secondary interventions as endpoint.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significantly longer duration of clinical benefit of hylan GF-20 injection. Present results may suggest a notion of an ideal delay therapeutic strategy for patients not ready to receive an arthroplasty. Further studies will be required to help characterise these subsets of patients.

Analysis for Prognostic Factors from a Database for the Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid (Euflexxa) Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

INTRODUCTION

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) injections are a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), although current literature provides mixed results with regard to their efficacy. We will review a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and subsequent extension trial in order to identify factors that are associated with outcomes in patients with knee OA who received IA-HA.

METHODS

We used data recorded by the FLEXX trial and extension trial for secondary analysis of potential prognostic factors. Linear regression was used to examine the predictors of outcomes at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Sixty percent of all patients presented with a Kellgren Lawrence (K-L) grade 3. Patients with high baseline outcome scores and a K-L grade 3 demonstrated less response than individuals within an earlier stage of knee OA, although results for both K-L grade 2 and K-L grade 3 patients still showed benefit. Those with more severe radiographic change K-L grade 3 often had a better response with the second series of IA-HA injections. Significantly greater positive response in all outcomes was demonstrated for the patient subgroup classified as K-L grade 2, when compared with K-L grade 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that IA-HA for knee OA was of greater benefit in those with less severe radiographic changes. However, those with more severe radiographic change often had a better response with the second course of IA-HA. Similar analyses are required in order to determine if these results are unique to Euflexxa, or if these results are consistent with other available IA-HA agents.

Schwann-cell cylinders grown inside hyaluronic-acid tubular scaffolds with gradient porosity

Cell transplantation therapies in the nervous system are frequently hampered by glial scarring and cell drain from the damaged site, among others. To improve this situation, new biomaterials may be of help. Here, novel single-channel tubular conduits based on hyaluronic acid (HA) with and without poly-l-lactide acid fibers in their lumen were fabricated. Rat Schwann cells were seeded within the conduits and cultured for 10days. The conduits possessed a three-layered porous structure that impeded the leakage of the cells seeded in their interior and made them impervious to cell invasion from the exterior, while allowing free transport of nutrients and other molecules needed for cell survival. The channel's surface acted as a template for the formation of a cylindrical sheath-like tapestry of Schwann cells continuously spanning the whole length of the lumen. Schwann-cell tubes having a diameter of around 0.5mm and variable lengths can thus be generated. This structure is not found in nature and represents a truly engineered tissue, the outcome of the specific cell-material interactions. The conduits might be useful to sustain and protect cells for transplantation, and the biohybrids here described, together with neuronal precursors, might be of help in building bridges across significant distances in the central and peripheral nervous system.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The paper entitled "Schwann-cell cylinders grown inside hyaluronic-acid tubular scaffolds with gradient porosity" reports on the development of a novel tubular scaffold and on how this scaffold acts on Schwann cells seeded in its interior as a template to produce macroscopic hollow continuous cylinders of tightly joined Schwann cells. This cellular structure is not found in nature and represents a truly engineered novel tissue, which obtains as a consequence of the specific cell-material interactions within the scaffold.

AMSSM Scientific Statement Concerning Viscosupplementation Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: Importance for Individual Patient Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling disease that produces severe morbidity reducing physical activity. Our position statement on treatment of knee OA with viscosupplementation injection [hyaluronic acid (HA)] versus steroid [intra-articular corticosteroid (IAS)] and placebo [intra-articular placebo (IAP)] is based on the evaluation of treatment effect by examining the number of subjects within a treatment arm that met the Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials-Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) criteria, which is different and more relevant than methods used in other reviews which examined if the average change across the treatment groups was clinically different.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic literature search for all relevant articles from 1960 to August 2014 in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) of the relevant literature to determine if there is a benefit from HA as compared with IAS and IAP.

MAIN RESULTS

Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria from the search strategy. On NMA, those subjects receiving HA were 15% and 11% more likely to respond to treatment by the OMERACT-OARSI criteria than those receiving IAS or IAP, respectively (P < 0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the aforementioned results of our NMA, the American Medical Society for Sport Medicine recommends the use of HA for the appropriate patients with knee OA.

[Injection treatment with hyaluronic acid]

This article presents the spectrum of indications for the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) based on the recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), the International Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) taking the reality of patient care in Europe into account.

Consensus statement on viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid for the management of osteoarthritis

Viscosupplementation (VS) with hyaluronic acid is currently used by physicians to treat osteoarthritis. However, many aspects of this treatment remain questionable and subject of controversy. A group of 8 experts in this field, from European countries, met to debate on 24 statements previously listed by the group members. Based on an extensive research of the literature and expert opinion, a consensus position has been proposed for each statement. Agreement was achieved on some recommendations. In particular, the expert achieved unanimous agreement in favor of the following statements: VS is an effective treatment for mild to moderate knee OA; VS is not an alternative to surgery in advanced hip OA; VS is a well-tolerated treatment of knee and other joints OA; VS should not be used only in patients who have failed to respond adequately to analgesics and NSAIDs; VS is a "positive" indication but not a "lack of anything better" indication; the dosing regimen must be supported by evidence-based medicine; cross-linking is a proven means for prolonging IA residence time of HA; the best approach to inject accurately knee joint is the lateral mid-patellar one; when VS is performed under fluoroscopy, the amount of radiopaque contrast agent must be as low as possible to avoid viscosupplement dilution. These clear recommendations have been established to help practitioners in the use of viscosupplementation.

Viscosupplementation: techniques, indications, results

Viscosupplementation by hyaluronic acid (HA) injections is frequently used for local treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), due to ease of use and good tolerance. A profusion of linear or reticulated HA derivates are marketed, with varied characters and levels of evidence. Viscosupplementation has demonstrated moderate but significant efficacy (20%) versus placebo in terms of pain and function, with a high rate of responders (60-70%) in knee osteoarthritis. It allows reduced administration of opioid analgesics and NSAIDs, with improved risk/benefit ratio, and may delay joint replacement. Cartilage protection remains to be proven. Clinical efficacy shows 1-4 weeks' later onset than corticosteroids, but is maintained for 6 or even 12 months. Systematic association of corticosteroid and HA injection is not justified, and an interval has to be left before undertaking arthroplasty. Intra-articular injection of HA requires a skilled specialist, and may be difficult in a non-swollen joint; some tips and tricks may be helpful. In other joints than the knee, radiologic or ultrasound guidance is recommended. The efficacy of viscosupplementation is a matter of ongoing debate, after discordant findings in some meta-analyses. Some poor results may be due to inappropriate use of HA injections, poorly adapted to the patient's OA phenotype. Viscosupplementation is a treatment for chronic moderate symptomatic OA, and not for flares with joint swelling. Application in sport-related chondropathy has yet to be properly assessed. The optimal response profile remains to be determined. The ideal indication in the knee seems to be moderate femorotibial OA without swelling. Results have been generally disappointing in hip osteoarthritis but promising in OA of the ankle and shoulder (with and without rotator cuff tear). Further studies are needed to determine response profile and optimal treatment schedule, according to the joint.

The long-term efficacy and tolerability of hyaluronic acid in adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease of the knee

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of knee pain due to Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). A total of 113 patients with KBD-based knee pain were treated with a 3-week course of HA. Clinical assessments were performed for each patient at 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 52 weeks. The primary efficacy measure was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. The secondary efficacy measures included the WOMAC A (pain), B (stiffness), and C (function) scores; the total WOMAC score; and the global assessments by patients and physicians. Tolerability was evaluated based on adverse events (AEs) and physician reporting. The VAS was significantly reduced within the first 4 weeks of treatment, and the reduction was maintained over 52 weeks (p < 0.001 at each endpoint). These data were supported by the secondary variables WOMAC A (all p < 0.001), WOMAC B (p = 0.002, 0.003, and 0.019, respectively), WOMAC C (all p < 0.001), total WOMAC (all p < 0.001), and the global assessments by patients and physicians at weeks 12, 24, and 52. No serious AEs were reported, and the overall incidence of AEs was 10.6 %. This study suggests that the intra-articular injection of HA is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of knee pain due to KBD as HA therapy resulted in an improvement of symptoms for at least 52 weeks. Additional randomized double-blind studies are needed to confirm our findings.

A randomized saline-controlled trial of NASHA hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

NASHA hyaluronic acid is administered as a single intra-articular injection to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). In a previous trial, post-hoc analysis indicated that NASHA provides significantly greater pain relief than saline in patients with OA confined to the study knee. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NASHA in patients with unilateral knee OA.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, saline-controlled trial. All patients had knee OA confirmed by American College of Rheumatology criteria and a WOMAC pain score of 7-17 in the study knee, but no pain in the previous 3 months in the non-study knee. Treatment comprised a single intra-articular injection of NASHA or saline control. The follow-up period was 6 weeks.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01806207.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary efficacy endpoint was the responder rate, defined as the percentage of patients with ≥40% improvement from baseline in WOMAC pain score and an absolute improvement of ≥5 points.

RESULTS

A total of 218 patients received study treatment (NASHA: 108, saline: 110). In the main intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, no statistically significant difference in responder rate was found between the two groups at 6 weeks (NASHA: 30.6%; saline: 26.4%). A post-hoc subgroup analysis of patients without clinical effusion in the study knee at baseline showed a significantly higher 6 week responder rate with NASHA than with saline: 40.6% versus 19.7% (p = 0.0084). A total of 68 adverse events were reported among 44 patients in the NASHA group, compared with 69 adverse events among 44 patients in the saline group. The main weakness of the study was the short, 6 week follow-up duration. In addition, image guidance was not used to ensure injection as intended into the intra-articular space.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-injection NASHA was well tolerated and, although there was no significant benefit versus saline control in the primary analysis, post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in pain relief at 6 weeks among patients without clinical effusion at baseline.

NASHA hyaluronic acid vs. methylprednisolone for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, multi-centre, randomized, non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare NASHA hyaluronic acid gel as single-injection intra-articular (IA) treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) against methylprednisolone acetate (MPA).

DESIGN

This was a prospective, multi-centre, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. A unique, open-label extension phase (OLE) was undertaken to answer further important clinical questions. Subjects with painful unilateral knee OA were treated and followed for 26 weeks (blinded phase). All patients attending the clinic at 26 weeks were offered NASHA treatment, with a subsequent 26-week follow-up period (extension phase). The primary objective was to show non-inferiority of NASHA vs MPA in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain responder rate (percentage of patients with ≥40% improvement from baseline in WOMAC pain score and an absolute improvement of ≥5 points) at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

In total, 442 participants were enrolled. The primary objective was met, with NASHA producing a non-inferior response rate vs MPA at 12 weeks (NASHA: 44.6%; MPA: 46.2%; difference [95% CI]: 1.6% [-11.2%; +7.9%]). Effect size for WOMAC pain, physical function and stiffness scores favoured NASHA over MPA from 12 to 26 weeks. In response to NASHA treatment at 26 weeks, sustained improvements were seen in WOMAC outcomes irrespective of initial treatment. No serious device-related adverse events (AEs) were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that single-injection NASHA was well tolerated and non-inferior to MPA at 12 weeks. The benefit of NASHA was maintained to 26 weeks while that of MPA declined. An injection of NASHA at 26 weeks conferred long-term improvements without increased sensitivity or risk of complications. STUDY IDENTIFIER: NCT01209364 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Viscosupplementation of the ankle: a prospective study with an average follow-up of 45.5 months

INTRODUCTION

Providing pain relief for ankle osteoarthritis and delaying the need for a radical surgery procedure is difficult to achieve with analgesics that have limited efficacy or are not devoid of substantial side effects.

HYPOTHESIS

The goals of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of viscosupplementation, explore which factors better predict Patient's response and propose an injection protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients (26 ankles) with ankle osteoarthritis were included, with seven of them having received multiple series of injections. The average age was 60 years. Series of three injections, performed in the operating room under fluoroscopy-guidance, were evaluated after 4 and 12 months and then annually with the AOFAS score; patient satisfaction was also assessed.

RESULTS

The average AOFAS score increased significantly from 61.8 ± 15 before the injections to 74.4 ± 14.5 and 73.7 ± 16.6 after 4 and 12 months, respectively. The average follow-up was 45.5 months and 73% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied. There were no adverse effects or intolerance. In patients receiving more than one series of injections, the average delay between series was 27.8 (range 15-43) months. Five patients had a radical surgery procedure after an average of 27 months of effective viscosupplementation.

DISCUSSION

This prospective study showed that viscosupplementation had a significant positive effect (P<0.05) in patients with ankle osteoarthritis when a three-injection protocol was used every two years on average. Neither etiology nor severity of the osteoarthritis was predictive of the response. In our opinion, fluoroscopy-guidance is essential for these injections.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV cohort study.

Early decrease of serum biomarkers of type II collagen degradation (Coll2-1) and joint inflammation (Coll2-1 NO₂ ) by hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a research study part of the Biovisco study

To measure the evolution of the serum levels of specific Osteoarthritis (OA) biomarker, Coll2-1 and Coll2-1 NO₂ in knee osteoarthritic patients after viscosupplementation (VS). Fifty-one patients with unilateral symptomatic knee were recruited for this prospective open label study. They received three intra-articular injections of 2 ml of hyaluronic acid (Hylan GF-20) and were followed for 3 months. Walking pain was evaluated and serum samples were taken at each visit. Coll2-1 and Coll2-1 NO₂ were measured in the serum using specific immunoassays. Variations over time of each parameter and predictive factor of response were studied. Forty-five patients were analyzed. The serum concentrations of Coll2-1 and Coll2-1 NO₂ were significantly higher in KL III/IV patients compared to KL I/II patients at baseline and decreased systematically over time after VS. Its effect was ever more pronounced in patients with KL III/IV. The serum concentration of Coll2-1 was significantly lower at baseline in responders than in non-responders. This study suggests a rapid slowdown of type II collagen degradation and joint inflammation after VS with Hylan G-20 and gives additional information for the validation of accurate biomarkers for OA. The serum level of Coll2-1 appeared to be a predictive factor for response to treatment.

Targeting care: tailoring nonsurgical management according to clinical presentation

International evidence-based guidelines recommend a multitude of nonsurgical treatment options for the management of osteoarthritis. This article summarizes the evidence available for patient characteristics that have been analyzed as potential predictors of response to nonsurgical interventions for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. The specific variables targeted for this review include body mass index, psychological factors, muscle strength, tibiofemoral alignment, radiographic changes, and signs of inflammation. Several studies provide moderate to good evidence of potential predictors of response to nonsurgical treatments, and areas for future research are illuminated.

Early effect of hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections on serum and urine biomarkers in patients with knee osteoarthritis: An open-label observational prospective study

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) intra articular injections (IA) on osteoarthritis (OA) biomarkers in patients with knee OA. Prospective open label study. Fifty-one patients with unilateral symptomatic K-OA received IA injections of 2mL of HA on days (D) 1, 7, 14 and were followed 3 months. At D-15 patients were examined and X-rays performed, to exclude patients with bilateral K-OA, or those with more than three symptomatic OA joints. From 15 days (D-15) before the first injection to D90 concomitant therapies were unchanged. Walking pain (WP) on VAS was obtained at each visit. Urine (U) and serum (S) samples were obtained at D-15, D1, D30, and D90. S-C2C, S-Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, S-HA, S-CS 846 epitope, S-type II collagen propeptide, and U-type II collagen C telopeptide (U-CTX II/creatinin) were assayed. Predictive factors of response were analyzed using logistic regression. Correlations between variables were obtained using Spearman test. Forty-five patients were analyzed. Between D-15 and D1 there was no difference for any biomarkers At D1, WP (SD) was correlated with U-CTX II/creat (p = 0.006). Between D1 and D90: U-CTX II/creat decreased significantly. After adjustment for confounding variables there was a significant correlation between clinical response and U-CTX II/creat variation. U-CTX II and S-HA at baseline were independently predictive of clinical response. This study showed that 90 days after HA IA injections, U-CTX II levels significantly decrease compared to baseline, suggesting a slowdown of type II collagen degradation.

Comparison of sonographically guided intra-articular injections at 3 different sites of the knee

OBJECTIVES

Sonographically guided injections show more accuracy than blind injections, but there are no reports comparing sonographically guided intra-articular injection approaches. This study examined the accuracy of sonographically guided intra-articular injections at 3 different sites of the knee using medial, midlateral, and superolateral portals.

METHODS

Sonographically guided intra-articular injections and radiology evaluations were performed on 126 knees with osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3). Six milliliters of mixed material containing 1% lidocaine (1 mL), 20 mg of triamcinolone (1 mL), and a nonionic contrast agent (4 mL) was injected into the intra-articular space of the knee through the medial, midlateral, and superolateral portals. After the sonographically guided intra-articular injection into the knee joint, a radiographic image was taken to determine whether the injected material had reached the intra-articular space or infiltrated into the soft tissue.

RESULTS

Sonographically guided intra-articular injections in the midlateral portal (95%; P < .05) and superolateral portal (100%; P < .05) showed significantly higher accuracy than injections in the medial portal (75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographically guided intra-articular injections in the midlateral or superolateral portal may increase the accuracy of knee joint injections.

The effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (Hylan G-F 20) on experimentally induced temporomandibular joint osteoartrosis: part II

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Hylan G-F 20 on experimentally induced osteoarthritic changes in rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A 3mg/ml concentration of sodium mono iodoacetate (MIA) had been injected into both joints of 24 rabbits to create osteoartrosis. The study group was injected with Hylan G-F 20 in one joint and saline in the contralateral joint as a control (once a week for 3 weeks). Histological changes in articular cartilage, osteochondral junction, chondrocyte appearance and subchondral bone were determined at 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Regarding cartilage, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at 4 weeks. Degenerative bony changes to subchondral bone were significantly higher in the controls. No statistical difference was found in the study group at 6 weeks. A positive correlation was found between osteochondral junction and subchondral bone in the study group at 8 weeks. The changes in chondrocyte appearance were significantly decreased in the study group at all follow-up times. Intra-articular injection of Hylan G-F 20 decreased cartilage changes in early stage TMJ osteoartrosis and clustering of chondrocytes showed the chondroprotective effects of Hylan G-F 20 caused by hypertrophic responses.

Safety, efficacy and predictive factors of efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of non-animal-stabilized-hyaluronic-acid in the hip joint: results of a standardized follow-up of patients treated for hip osteoarthritis in daily practice

AIM

To evaluate, in daily clinical practice, the efficacy and tolerability of a single intra-articular injection of non-animal-stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) in patients treated for symptomatic hip OA (HOA).

METHODS

Standardized follow-up (FU).

PATIENTS

forty patients suffering from HOA treated by a single intra-articular injection of NASHA in the painful hip under fluoroscopy.

EVALUATION

patient global assessment (PGA) and walking pain (WP) on a 100 mm visual analogue scale, WOMAC index, Lequesne index at each visit.

STATISTICS

last observation carried forward. Treatment efficacy was assessed using OMERACT-OARSI response criteria, minimal clinically important improvement (MCII), patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) obtained from PGA, WOMAC and WP. Predictive factors of efficacy were also studied.

RESULTS

Efficacy evaluation: 34 patients were assessable (mean FU 159 days). All clinical variables (WP, PGA, WOMAC, Lequesne index) decreased significantly between baseline and last evaluation. Twenty-two patients (71%) were classified OMERACT-OARSI responders, 25 subjects (75.8%) were classified PASS+, and 19 (61.3%) fulfilled criteria for MCII. Out of clinical and radiological variables only Lequesne index (p = 0.04) and WOMAC (p = 0.04) at baseline were found to be predictive of treatment efficacy. Safety evaluation: the treatment was well tolerated. There were no severe adverse events related to the treatment or to the procedure. However 15 of the 28 assessable patients experienced transient increase of pain in the target hip during the first week after injection.

CONCLUSION

Viscosupplementation of the hip with NASHA is easily feasible in daily clinical practice, safe and well tolerated despite a frequent increase of pain the days following injection. Prospective controlled trials are needed to confirm these data and to evaluate both safety and efficacy of a second course of treatment.

Prospective, multi-centre, randomised evaluation of the safety and efficacy of five dosing regimens of viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 in patients with symptomatic tibio-femoral osteoarthritis: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Viscosupplementation by repeated intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) is used widely in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). The number of injections required can limit the availability of treatment and affect patient compliance. The aim of this study was to assess different dosing regimens of hylan G-F 20, a high molecular-weight cross-linked derivative of HA, in the treatment of pain due to knee OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pilot, prospective, multi-centre, open-label, randomised trial in 100 patients with unilateral, symptomatic, tibio-femoral OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III), aged > or =40 years. Patients were randomised to receive varying dosing regimens of hylan G-F 20 (1 x 6 mL, 1 x 4 mL, 2 x 4 mL 2 weeks apart, 3 x 4 mL 1 week apart, or 3 x 2 mL 1 week apart). Adverse events (AE's) were monitored throughout the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the patient-rated knee OA pain assessment (100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS)) at 24 weeks. The secondary efficacy criteria included the WOMAC index, patient and physician global assessments using a 100 mm VAS, and knee OA pain assessment at all other visits. Concomitant use of permitted rescue medications (paracetamol) was also assessed.

RESULTS

The treatment was well tolerated overall. Patients in the 3 x 4 mL group reported the highest percentage of device-related local AE's (30%) while patients in the 1 x 6 mL and 3 x 2 mL groups reported only 10%. There were no serious device-related AEs. There was a statistically significant improvement from baseline at week 24 in all efficacy endpoints for all treatment regimens. The 1 x 6 and 3 x 4 and 3 x 2 mL treatment groups showed the greatest mean improvements (-34.9, -32.6 and -36.7 mm respectively) in the patient-rated knee OA pain assessment VAS.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a single 6 mL injection of hylan G-F 20 may be as efficacious, and as well tolerated, as 3 x 2 mL one week apart. A double-blind, controlled trial is needed to confirm these data.

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of TENS versus intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized study

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is perceived as a major public health problem, and today, various treatment modalities are used to manage this condition. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and intra-articular hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc; Genzyme Corporation, Ridgefield, NJ) in patients with symptomatic knee OA. A total of 60 patients with primary knee OA were randomized into 2 treatment groups. TENS was applied for 3 weeks in the first group, and in the second group, hylan G-F 20 was injected intra-articularly once a week for 3 weeks. Patients were then followed for 6 months. Disease severity was measured with the Lequesne Index. Efficacy in terms of pain, functional status, and quality of life was assessed through analysis of changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. WOMAC pain scores were improved at the first control visit in the TENS group and in the viscosupplementation group; this improvement was statistically significant. WOMAC stiffness scores showed a statistically significant decrease in the TENS group at the first control visit. Stiffness did not decrease during the first month in the second group; however, these patients exhibited improvement during the sixth month after injection. Physical function scores and SF-36 total scores did not change in either group after treatment. Pain relief was observed at the first month and continued throughout the 6-month follow-up period in both groups. Stiffness decreased by the sixth month in both groups. Improvement in WOMAC physical function scores was greater in the intra-articular hylan group than in the TENS group at the end of follow-up; however, quality of life was not improved in either group. These therapies used in combination may alleviate symptoms in patients with OA.

Low viscosity hydrogel of guar gum: Preparation and physicochemical characterization

Guar gum was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde and characterized by GPC, rheology, WADX, SEM and TGA. This guar gum is a galactomannan polysaccharide, that contains small amount of arabinose, glucose and uronic acid, besides galactose and mannose. The polymer has high molar mass, with Mw, Mn and Mv values of 2.0x10(6), 1.2x10(6) and 1.9x10(6)g/mol, respectively. The reticulation follows a slow process and lead to a viscosity increase of 40 times compared with the original gum solution. The final viscosity was similar to that of Hylan G-F 20, a hyaluronate derivative, commercially used in viscosupplementation treatment. The gel contains 95.6% of water and the amount of residual glutaraldehyde is much lower than the LD-50. Porous structure was detected by SEM and thermal stability was improved by the cross-linking. The low viscosity, the small amount of remained glutaraldehyde, and the thermal stability indicates that the guar hydrogel has potential to be applied as biomaterial with specific rheological requirements.

A prospective randomised controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy of different molecular weight hyaluronan solutions in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Viscosupplementation consists of injecting exagenous hyaluronan (HA) into the synovial joints to restore the normal rheological environment which deteriorates severely in osteoarthritic (OA) joints. Efficacy might be related to the rheological properties and molecular weight (MW) of the hyaluronan preparations. This prospective, controlled, double-blind, randomised clinical trial was aimed at comparing the elastoviscous properties of a high molecular weight viscosupplement, hylan G-F 20, with that of a lower molecular weight hyaluronan product in order to determine the relationship of elastoviscosity to efficacy, alongside placebo, in the treatment of patients with knee OA. The results were analysed as a "completers" analysis with 59 patients. Primary outcome measures included the Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain, stiffness and function scores, and patient and physician global assessments (0-100 scale). For patient (PGA) and physician global assessments (PhGA), the 0-100 scale was used, with 100 being the worst. Follow-up assessments were made at intervals of 1, 3 and 6 months after the first injection. Local adverse events, such as transient pain at the injection site or warm knee lasting for one night, were recorded in two patients (3%). In all groups, the WOMAC pain score exhibited a significant difference from the baseline value; neither treatment group was significantly different from the placebo group, but total pain score was significantly better than baseline for both of the HA groups at the end of 6 months (p < 0.05). Improvement in WOMAC physical function score favoured both sodium hyaluronate and hylan G-F 20 after the first month, and remained significant until the end of 6 months (p < 0.01). In the placebo group, the physical function scores became worse after the end of the 1st month; the scores at the end of 6 months were no different from those at the beginning. The WOMAC stiffness scores of both of the hyaluronic acid groups improved with the first injection, and remained significantly better than the placebo group until the end of the survey (p < 0.001). All groups expressed improvement with PGA scores after the first injection. At the end of 6 months all three groups were similar, but the treatment groups were significantly better than the placebo group (p < 0.05), and all were significantly better than at the beginning (p < 0.05). The PhGA scores were similar in all groups until after the third injection. The second group was slightly better in the controls at 1 and 3 months, but all the groups were similar at the end of 6 months. Although the placebo group seemed worse, it was not statistically significant. Compared with lower molecular weight HA, the higher molecular weight HA might be more efficacious in treating knee OA, but heterogeneity of previous studies limited definitive conclusions. Patients treated by injection of either of two hyaluronan preparations showed clinical improvement for pain, though no different from the placebo group; WOMAC stiffness scores were better than placebo in the HA groups, whereas PGA scores showed improvement in all groups but HA groups were better than placebo. PhGA scores were worse in the placebo group, but not to a statistically-significant extent. The HA groups did not differ in terms of clinical efficacy.

Effects of different hyaluronic acid products on synovial fluid NO levels in knee osteoarthritis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different hyaluronic acid forms on synovial fluid nitric oxide (NO) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty patients were equally randomized into two groups and treated with native sodium hyaluronate (group I) or with cross-linked hylan G-F 20 (group II). Clinical evaluations and synovial fluid aspirations were performed before the first (baseline), the second (week 1), and third injections (week 2), and a week after the third injection (week 3). NO levels were reduced at the end of the study in both groups (p<0.01 in group I, p=0.001 in group II), while no significant change was found in GSHPx activity. Also, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores and WOMAC physical function scores were gradually improved at all follow-ups in the two groups. No significant differences between the two groups of NO levels, GSHPx activity, WOMAC pain scores, WOMAC stiffness scores, and WOMAC physical function scores were recorded during the study. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid therapy may reduce synovial fluid NO levels. These effects do not seem to be dependent on the molecular weight and various structural changes of hyaluronan products.

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided intra-articular hylan G-F 20 injection in osteoarthritis of the hip: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of viscosupplementation applied to the hip joint with the lateral approach and ultrasound guidance and to show whether this can be an alternative treatment model in hip osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

We performed three hylan G-F injections each to 14 patients with hip OA. We evaluated visual analog score (VAS), Lequesne hip OA severity index, 15-meter walking time before injections and 30 and 90 days after injections, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

We established that after 30 respectively 90 days of treatment, VAS, Lequesne hip OA severity index, and 15-meter walking time were statistically significantly lower than before the treatment. This decrease continued after the 30th day. No side effects or complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Viscosupplementation performed under ultrasound guidance with the lateral approach is an effective and safe method and can be an alternative treatment of hip OA.