PRP-HA Versus HA in Knee Osteoarthritis

Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic condition which most commonly affects the knee. The pathogenesis of OA involves initial mechanical stress resulting in cartilage lesions, leading to inflammatory processes causing joint degradation. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been employed, including hyaluronic acid (HA) supplementations to alleviate the joint damage from mechanical load by acting as a shock absorber which provides lubrication, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. However, HA is unable to facilitate cartilage regeneration and corticosteroids has numerous undesirable side effects which render them unsustainable treatment options. Recently, many studies worldwide have demonstrated that platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) stimulates cartilage repair by actively secreting growth factors which activate cell proliferation and differentiation thereby promoting tissue regeneration. However, there has been varying results across various RCTs due to the heterogeneity of studies, with inconclusive recommendations on the treatment regimen for PRP-HA. Currently, PRP treatment is also not formally recognized as a treatment modality for knee OA in many countries, including Singapore. This randomised controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of Cellular Matrix (CM) PRP-HA versus HA (Synolis VA) intra-articular injections in knee OA through quantifying the improvement in long-term treatment outcomes such as pain, stiffness, and functional impairment, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients with knee OA.

Timeline

Start

2021-11

Primary completion

2022-11

Completion

2022-11

Drugs

Indications