Common Design, Data Elements and Core Outcome Measures Reported on Clinical Trials of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis: An Interactive Systematic Review

Abstract

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an emerging, potentially effective treatment option in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to describe the current state of common design data elements (CDDEs) and core outcome measures (COMs) in recent trials of GAE for knee OA. A comprehensive search of seven online databases were searched within the Nested Knowledge AutoLit living review platform, followed by categorization of primary and secondary outcomes. Studies were tagged with the relevant outcomes of interest in each article. Results were synthesized and examined for the CDDEs. Pain is the most frequent reported outcome, present in 23 of the 24 studies (95.8%). However, there is considerable variability in the description of in the study designs, procedural techniques, embolic materials, time points, and MRI parameters. Greater consistency is observed in eligibility criteria, and adverse events reporting. Although findings thus far have been favorable, current data is still constrained by the heterogeneity of the study design, embolization area nomenclature, limited follow-up, and in many cases, the absence of control group. To enhance the potential for future meta-analyses and robust, evidence-based evaluations of GAE as a treatment for knee OA, further research is required to address the identified shortcomings. By establishing more standardized protocols, the efficacy and safety of GAE can be more accurately assessed and understood.