Intra-articular administration of hylan G-F 20 in patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis: tolerability and effectiveness in a large cohort study in clinical practice

Objective: This prospective, observational, open study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hylan G-F 20 in a large cohort of patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA), and identify predictors of clinical response. Research design and methods: Patients presenting with symptomatic hip OA received one 2 mL intra-articular (A) injection of hylan G-F 20 under ultrasound guidance. Patients were followed-up every 3 months for a total of 12 months and were offered an optional, additional injection at each follow-up visit if symptomatically justified. At each visit, pain scores (100 mm visual analogue scale [VAS]), Lequesne index scores, NSAID intake, and physician and patient global assessments scores were recorded. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the study. Main outcome measures; results: 250 patients completed the 12 month follow-up and received a total of 734 injections. Statistically significant reductions in VAS pain scores, Lequesne index scores and NSAID usage were reported at all time-points (p < 0.05). No systemic, serious or severe side effects were observed. Fifty-two local AEs were reported (7.08% per injection) all of which were mild and transient. One predictor of clinical response was identified, with patients < 75 years of age reporting better outcomes. Conclusions: This study supports the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of hylan G-F 20 in the treatment of symptomatic hip OA. Hylan G-F 20 may also offer economic benefits due to a reduction in NSAID usage and the resultant reduction in management costs of NSAID related side-effects. These data reflect those obtained in previous studies of hylan G-F 20 in patients with knee OA.