Intra-Articular Injection of Amniotic Membrane Particulate may reduce Osteoarthritis pain

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting nearly 14 million individuals in the United States alone. Given its high prevalence, knee OA is a leading cause of physical disability in the aging population. There are currently few effective conservative treatment modalities for symptomatic knee OA, none of which prevent disease progression.

Hence, authors Olivia G Mead and Leon P Mead carried out the study to evaluate the long-term benefit of a single injection of amniotic membrane/umbilical cord (AM/UC) particulate in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA).

A single-center, investigator-initiated, retrospective study of patients who received intra-articular injection of 100 mg lyophilized and micronized AM/UC for radiographically confirmed, Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade 3 or 4 symptomatic knee OA. A total of 42 patients with KL grade 3 (36%) and 4 (64%) knee OA were included for analysis. Data regarding demographics, OA severity, comorbidities, treatment regimens, complications, and patient-reported outcomes were collected and assessed.

Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was assessed on a 7-point scale, and Global Perceived Improvement (GPI), expressed as percent improvement relative to baseline, was used to further quantify the degree of symptomatic change. Clinically important response to treatment was assessed at 12 months using simplified OMERACT–OARSI responder criteria.

The following findings were noted-

a. Prior to injection, patient-rated pain was 6.6 ± 1.5 out of 10 (median: 7, range: 3– 10) despite prior treatment with oral/topical NSAIDs (62%) and intra-articular injection(s) of corticosteroids (57%) and/or hyaluronic acid (48%).

b. Twelve months following AM/UC injection, 31 patients (74%) reported significant clinical improvement via PGIC, and the OMERACT–OARSI treatment response rate was 81% (34/42).

c. GPI of pain and function was 62 ± 24%, 69 ± 27%, 69 ± 27%, and 64 ± 31% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively.

d. Symptomatic improvement was maintained for an average duration of 12.1 ± 4.5 months (median: 12, range: 3– 22).

e. One patient developed swelling in the knee within 36 hours of injection.

f. No other adverse events or complications were reported.

Therefore, it was concluded that "Intra-articular injection of AM/UC particulate may be effective in alleviating pain and improving function in patients with moderate to severe knee OA, with the potential to delay total knee replacement for up to 12 months."