Article

OBJECTIVE: : To evaluate the clinical effects of intraarticular platelet-rich
plasma (PRP) injections in a small group of patients with primary and secondary
osteoarthritis. Most of the current treatments for osteoarthritis are palliative
and attack the symptoms rather than influencing the biochemical environment of
the joint. Autologous platelet-rich plasma has emerged as a treatment option for
tendinopathies and chronic wounds. In addition to release of growth factors,
platelet-rich plasma also promotes concentrated anti-inflammatory signals
including interleukin-1ra, which has been a focus of emerging treatments for
osteoarthritis. DESIGN: : In this single-center, uncontrolled, prospective
preliminary study, 14 patients with primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis who
met the study criteria received three platelet-rich plasma injections in the
affected knee at approximately 4-wk intervals. Outcome measures included the
Brittberg-Peterson Visual Pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), Activities, and
Expectations score and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores at
preinjection visit at 2-, 5-, 11-, 18-, and 52-wk follow-up visits.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to measure cartilage thickness. RESULTS: :
There were no adverse events reported. The study demonstrated significant and
almost linear improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores,
including pain and symptom relief. Brittberg-Peterson VAS showed many
improvements including reduced pain after knee movement and at rest. Cartilage
assessment was limited because of the small sample size. The majority of the
patients expressed a favorable outcome at 12 mos after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: :
The positive trends and safety profile demonstrated could potentially be used to
inspire a larger, blinded, and randomized clinical trial to determine whether
platelet-rich plasma is safe and effective for the treatment of knee
osteoarthritis.

Langue : ANGLAIS