Effects of Ankaferd hemostat on the synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis

Abstract

Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a novel topical hemostatic agent with antiinfective, wound healing, and antineoplastic properties. In this study, we evaluated the macroscopic and biochemical effects of ABS in the joint fluid of patients with osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: Synovial fluid samples were obtained from 10 patients with osteoarthritis (5 women, 5 men; mean age 57.6 ± 11.2 years). From each patient, 4 mL of synovial fluid was drawn and put into 2 different serum separator tubes, and 1 mL of ABS was added to the first sample and 1 mL of 0.9% saline was added to the second sample. Macroscopic evaluation and biochemical analyses for glucose, protein, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were performed. Results: The addition of ABS into synovial fluid revealed a rapid and apparent reaction resulting in dense coagulation within seconds in all of the samples. No reaction was observed in the saline group. Total protein, albumin, globulin, and LDH levels significantly decreased in the ABS group, while glucose levels remained unchanged. Conclusion: ABS can work in the synovial fluid, causes rapid frozen gel-like solidification, and decreases the protein component of the synovial fluid. This observation, together with hemostatic and wound healing properties of ABS, might provide an important starting point for testing its actions on distinct hemorrhagic, neoplastic, or inflammatory joint disorders.