Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acids in Osteoarthritic Knee, Detected by Ultrasonography
Abstract Background: Synovial hypertrophy is one of the pathological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis (OA), which is associated with the inflammation process and disease severity. Ultrasonography (US) is a practical tool to monitor disease progression and the response to treatment. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) is one of the commonly-used alternative treatments for knee OA. In this study, we used US to assess the effects of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, in terms of minimizing inflammation, by comparing synovial thickness before and after IAHA.Methods: Seventy-nine OA patients (107 knees, KL II-III and KL IV with surgery refusal) were treated with cross-linked IAHA and underwent US before IAHA at 4-week and 3-month follow-up visits after injection. Comparisons of synovial thickness before and after injection were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated by the recording of the visual analog scale for pain (pain VAS).Results: The overall synovial thickness was significantly decreased after IAHA at 4 weeks (p=0.01). The thickness was significantly reduced in KL II (p=0.01), but not significant in KL III and IV (p=0.096 and 0.083, respectively). In KL IV, the thickness was significantly increased at 3 months after IAHA (p=0.02).The pain VAS improved gradually at 4 weeks and 3 months after IAHA, significantly (p < 0.001) in all KL stages.Conclusion: Cross-linked hyaluronic acid injection provided pain relief in all KL stages at 4 weeks and lasted at least 3 months. However, its anti-inflammation action was temporary and predominated only in patients with early-stage OA knee. Concerning inflammation as a major risk factor for OA progression, adjunct intervention after IAHA should be added to enhance the therapeutic effect and prevent further joint destruction. IRBRTA: R074h/62