Efficacy and safety of biological products in hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various biological products, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and combination treatments, in alleviating pain and improving function in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Our review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL Cochrane databases from the beginning until July 2022 hinged upon the previously designed search strings, and citations were downloaded. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients over 18 years old with hip OA, comparing biological products to placebo or other interventions. Data were collected on pain, hip range of motion, functional status, quality of life, and radiological outcomes. Meta-analysis was done on the above-listed outcomes.

Results: From 18 RCTs involving 1648 patients, we analyzed the efficacy of various biological products. The mean age of patients was 60.2 years (SD 2.4), and the mean follow-up period was 7.22 months. PRP and HA treatments showed no statistically significant differences in VAS scores in the short-term (SMD = - 0.49, 95% CI, - 1.34-0.36), mid-term (SMD = - 0.25, 95% CI - 1.64-1.15), and long-term (SMD = - 0.22, 95% CI - 1.57-1.12) follow-ups. However, significant differences were found in WOMAC pain short-term (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI - 0.06-0.87), mid-term (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI - 0.85-1.83), and long-term outcomes (SMD = - 0.42, 95% CI - 0.80 to - 0.04). Complications were observed in HA (8%), Hylan G-F (4.9%), and GP-C (50%) groups, while PRP and BCC did not report any complications.

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicates that biological products, particularly PRP and HA, provide varying degrees of pain relief and functional improvement in hip OA patients, with a generally acceptable safety profile. The significant heterogeneity among studies underscores the need for further research to establish standardized treatment protocols and long-term efficacy.

Trial registration: CRD42022312562.