title: Multicenter study of hyaluronic acid obtained by biotechnology to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety in knee osteoarthritis.
abstract: Viscosuppplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan [HA]) is a relatively new option for improving pain and articular function in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. An open multi-center study was performed in 365 patients with definite and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis from seven Latin American countries. Five doses of HA were administered once a week. The parameters studied were pain (six items), stiffness (two items) and functional capacity (17 items). The parameters were evaluated 1 week after the corresponding injection. Statistical differences were found when basal determinations of the three parameters were compared with the results of the first and fourth administration (p < 0.05). Intra-articular HA administration was well tolerated. Treatment-related nonserious adverse events were registered in 2.5% of administrations. Based on the results obtained, HA is a useful and well-tolerated symptomatic treatment for knee osteoarthritis with a rapid onset of action.
authors.affiliation: Santos Rheumatology Clinic, San Pablo, Brazil. pitico@bignet.com.br
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Novaes
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schaiquevich
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nasswetter
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007843:Latin America; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid