Comparison of high molecular weight linear with high molecular weight branched

A double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing alternate forms of high molecular weight hyaluronan for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

Article specifications

This Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled trial was published in 2006 in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage journal (IF 2006: 4.165) by German orthopedics. The aim of this study was comparing the safety and effectiveness of a high molecular weight hyaluronan produced by biological fermentation (Bio-HA) with those of avian-derived hyaluronan that uses cross-linking to achieve high molecular weight (CL-HA). This was a trial evaluating 314 patients with confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC Index) pain subscale was the primary effectiveness measure (visual analog scale). Both products were administered via three weekly injections, with follow-up evaluations at weeks 3, 6 and 12. Acetaminophen was permitted as rescue medication and quantitated by pill counts.

Results

The trial data presented here provide evidence that Bio-HA can reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee OA without the iatrogenic local reactions associated with cross-linked IA-HA products.