Biochemical effect of intra-articular injections of high molecular weight hyaluronate in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the biochemical characteristics of synovial fluids after treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with intra-articularly injected hyaluronate (HA).

TREATMENT:

In a double-blind study, 13 patients received intra-articular injections of 1% HA in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) while 13 other patients were injected 0.01% HA in PBS, as the control group. Injections were administered once a week for five weeks.

METHODS:

Clinical efficacy and characteristics of synovial fluid were compared between groups.

RESULTS:

Significant clinical improvement was observed in the HA-treated group compared to the control group. The viscosity of retained synovial fluid increased. Stringing and HA concentration increased significantly whereas the concentrations of protein and chondroitin sulfate 4 and 6 decreased significantly. The HA molecular weight remained the same in both groups.

CONCLUSION:

Intra-articular HA injection altered the properties of synovial fluid and proved efficacious for patients with RA.

• Authors: H Matsuno, K Yudoh, M Kondo, M Goto, T Kimura
• Journal: Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] (Inflamm Res) Vol. 48 Issue 3 Pg. 154-9 (Mar 1999) ISSN: 1023-3830 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 10219658 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Chondroitin

Topics

• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Chondroitin (metabolism)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hyaluronic Acid (administration & dosage, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Injections, Intra-Articular
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Molecular Weight
• Synovial Fluid (drug effects, metabolism)