Biochemical effect of intra-articular injections of high molecular weight hyaluronate in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the biochemical characteristics of synovial fluids after treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RB) with intra-articularly injected hyaluronate (IIA). Treatment: In a double-blind study, 13 patients received intra-articular injections of 1% l-IA in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) while 13 other patients were injected 0.01% HA in PBS, as the control group. Injections were administered once a week for five weeks. Methods: Clinical efficacy and characteristics of synovial fluid were compared between groups. Results: Significant clinical improvement was observed in the HA-treated group compared tt,che control group. The viscosity of retained synovial fluid increased. Stringing and HA concentration increased significantly whereas the concentrations of protein and chondroitin sulfate 4 and 6 decreased significantly. The HA molecular weight remained the same in both groups. Conclusion: Intra-articular EIA injection altered the properties of synovial fluid and proved efficacious for patients with RA.