Analysis of quality of life in patients with gonarthrosis after application of autologous leukocyte-rich and leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma

Abstract

In recent years, there is a growing interest in the application of regenerative medicine methods in the treatment of degenerative lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Gonarthrosis is one of the most common reasons for patients to visit to orthopedic traumatologists. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients with gonarthrosis at different stages after application of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) and leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP). Materials and methods. The results of the treatment of 48 patients with gonarthrosis stages 1-3 according to Kellgren-Lawrence after intra-articularly injection of LR-PRP or LP-PRP were compared. The quality of life questionnaires were used: visual analogue scale (VAS), Lysholm Knee Score (LKS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) before treatment, after the first injection, every 2 weeks before the end of treatment and every 3 months for 1 year. Results. Evaluation of the treatment results obtained at stages 1 and 2 of gonarthrosis showed a positive result for both groups of patients during 12 months of follow-up and at stage 3 a significant improvement was achieved for up to 6 months. There was no significant difference between the results of LR-PRP and LP-PRP for 9-12 months. When using LP-PRP, the dynamics of quality of life during the year was smoother and more gradual, without periods of regression, while for LR-PRP there was a clear significant short-term reduction in the treatment effect for about 6 months compared to both baseline and values of the previous period at 1 and 2 stages gonarthrosis with further improvement and a stable positive effect for up to 12 months. Conclusions. The application of platelet-rich plasma improved the quality of life for 12 months in patients with stage 1-2 gonarthrosis and for 6 months at stage 3. The obtained positive results substantiate the need for further research to determine the prospects for the application of platelet-rich plasma in the complex treatment of knee osteoarthritis compared to other methods.