Intra-articular gold induced cytokine (GOLDIC®) injection therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint: a clinical study.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel technique of preconditioning autologous blood with gold particles (GOLDIC®) and injection in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: During this phase 2a, proof-of-concept (PoC) open label study, 83 consecutive patients that 64 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age: 64.8 years; 89 knees) with radiographically proven KOA, received four ultrasound guided intra-articular knee injections of GOLDIC® at three to six day intervals. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were evaluated at baseline, four weeks, three, six months, one, two and four years (T1-T6). The incidence of treatment related severe adverse events (SAEs) recorded. Intra-articular gelsolin level in patients with effusion was determined.

Results: KOOS and WOMAC scores improved for the full duration of the study (P < 0.05), minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was observed at all time points in all KOOS subscores, with no reported SAEs. Intra-articular gelsolin level increased after treatment with reduction of effusion. No statistically significant evidence of an association between patient demographics and outcome were identified. Nine patients failed treatment, with 32 months mean time to failure and underwent total knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion: PoC study of GOLDIC® as a novel device for conservative management of moderate to severe KOA was confirmed. GOLDIC® produces rapid and sustained improvements in all indices after treatment, with no SAEs.

Trial Registration: § 13 Abs.2b AMG Bavaria (Protokol Reg OBB 5-16) (Ref 53.2-2677.Ph_3-67-2)-Date 3/20/2010 retrospectively registered.