Effectiveness and quality of platelet rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee joint at Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital (SJGH)

Title : Effectiveness and quality of platelet rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee joint at Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital (SJGH)

Abstract:

Background: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has a higher concentration of platelets, which contains growth factors that promote tissue repair. However, the literature presents varying perspectives on the effectiveness of PRP injections in treating osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of PRP injections in osteoarthritis of the knee joint and the quality of PRP produced by the current commercial kit.

Methodology: This prospective analytical study included all knee osteoarthritis patients attending the orthopedic clinic at SJGH and referred for PRP injections between 01.06.2024 and 30.09.2024. Patients were evaluated using WOMAC and visual pain scores (VPS) at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post- PRP injection. Venous blood and final PRP products were analyzed using a red cell analyzer. As a control, 20 patients receiving intra-articular steroid injections were assessed using WOMAC and VPS at the same intervals.

Results: Data from 51 patients referred for PRP injections were analyzed, with the majority being overweight females. The average VPS improved from 6.1/10 at baseline to 3.7 at 1 month and
2.7 at 3 months, which were statistically significant (p<0.001). The average percentage WOMAC score also improved from 46.6% at baseline to 31.4% at 1 month and 23.4% at 3 months, which were statistically significant (p<0.001). In the control group, average VPS and average percentage WOMAC score improvements were not statistically significant (p=0.07) at 1 month and 3 months. No post-procedural infections were reported.The average platelet count of venous blood was 193x109/L, which increased to 410x109/L in the PRP product with a 2.13-fold platelet increment.

Conclusions: PRP injections in knee osteoarthritis patients resulted in a statistically significant improvement in VPS and percentage WOMAC scores at 1 and 3 months compared to the control group. The current preparation method achieved a 2.13-fold increase in platelet concentration. PRP injections were safe and effective.

Biography:

Dr. Godamunne is a registered medical professional at Sri Lanka Medical Council with over 12 years of medical experience. She earned her MBBS from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. And furthered her education with a Postgraduate Diploma and an MD in Transfusion Medicine from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Additionally, she hold a MSc in Disaster Management from the Postgraduate Institute of Science, at the University of Peradeniya. She is currently working as the acting Transfusion Physician at Teaching Hospital, Kegalle, Sri Lanka. As a transfusion specialist, her main focus is improving and developing evidence-based transfusion medicine for the safety and efficiency of hospital and laboratory transfusion practice, and conducting research to enhance the quality of the service.