Clinical rheumatology
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Clinical rheumatology · Apr 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialIntra-articular steroids in knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study of triamcinolone hexacetonide and methylprednisolone acetate.
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of triamcinolone hexacetonide (THA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), given via the intra-articular route at equipotent dosage to patients with symptomatic knee OA with effusion, in a double-blind randomized comparative trial. Consecutive hospital-referred patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA (clinical and radiographic) were randomly allocated to receive either THA 20 mg (1 ml) or MPA 40 mg (1 ml). All patients had synovial fluid aspirated from their knee joint at the time of injection. ⋯ Both THA and MPA offer at least temporary symptomatic benefit in knee OA. THA is more effective than MPA at week 3, but its effect is lost by week 8. MPA still has an effect at week 8.