Intra-Articular Injection of Deproteinized Hemodialysate in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Case-Series

Abstract

Objective: To report the efficacy of intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate including its side effects in a case-series of knee osteoarthritic (OA) patients. Material and Method: Intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate was performed in 17 subjects (3 male and 14 female) with primary knee OA. Their average age was 63 years (min, max = 50, 80 yrs). The X-ray appearance was grade II-III according to Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Measurements: 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and any side effects. Results: The mean (95% CI) of the VAS before and after injection were 70.0 (59.9-80.1) and 42.7 (31.2-54.2) respectively, with a p-value of < 0.001. The mean difference in pain score was 27.35 (95% CI = 17.0-37.7). The symptoms of knee pain resolved in an average of 4.8 (2.9) days (min, max = 1, 10). No side effects were found. Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate is effective and safe. However, a further controlled trial with an adequate sample size should be performed to confirm the efficacy as well as to detect any adverse effects of this drug.