Riassunto dello studio

Seventy patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy (n=35) or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections (n=35). Outcomes of interest were the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in synovial fluid, pain and functional status assessed using the WOMAC and VAS scores, respectively. Outcomes were evaluated before the intervention and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that PRP therapy significantly reduced levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 compared to baseline, whereas HA showed no significant change in these cytokines. WOMAC and VAS scores improved significantly more in the PRP group than in the HA group throughout the follow-up period. PRP therapy suggests better long-term efficacy in reducing inflammation and improving joint function and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.