Effectiveness and safety of probiotics in treating knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Study Summary

8 randomized controlled trials of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing probiotic supplementation with placebo or control treatment. Pooled outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, total, stiffness and physical function scores, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and adverse events. Probiotics significantly improved VAS pain, WOMAC pain, WOMAC total and stiffness scores and reduced CRP, but did not significantly improve WOMAC physical function. Adverse event rates were similar between groups. Overall, probiotics may provide modest symptomatic and anti-inflammatory benefits as an additional treatment for KOA, although substantial heterogeneity and limited trial numbers reduce confidence in the findings.