Mesenchymal Stem Cells Injection Is More Effective Than Hyaluronic Acid Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis With Similar Safety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the Efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) versus Hyaluronic acid (HA) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsEligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through a search of Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of science, SinoMed and CNKI databases from inception to March 2024. For meta-analysis, data on clinical outcomes were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and data on cartilage repair were measured using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS); data on safety was evaluated by the incidence of adverse events. Two researchers independently read the included literatures, extracted data and evaluated the quality, and used Cochrane risk bias assessment tool for bias risk assessment, and RevMan5.3 software for Meta-analysis. Result：Ten RCTs involving 818 patients with KOA ranging from I-Ⅲ Kellgren – Lawrence grading scale were included in this meta-analysis. Meta results showed that compared with the HA control group, at 12months, the WOMAC total score [MD=-10.22, 95% CI (-14.86∼-5.59), P<0.0001, Z=4.32];VAS score[MD=-1.31, 95% CI (-1.90∼-0.73), P<0.0001, Z=4.40]; WORMS score [MD=-26.01,95% CI (-31.88∼-20.14),P<0.001,Z=8.69]of MSCs group all decreased significantly (P<0.05), and reached the minimum clinically important differences (MCID). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (RR=1.54, 95% CI= 0.85 ∼ 2.79, P=0.16, I2=0) between the two groups (P >0.05). ConclusionCompared to HA, intra-articular injection of MSCs therapy appears to effectively alleviate joint pain, improve clinical function of KOA patients. These benefits are observed to last for at least 12 months without an increase in adverse events. Due to limited, varied, and lacking MCID results in existing literature, further research is needed. Level of EvidenceLevel I, Meta-analysis of Level I studies.