Abstract

Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections represent a promising biological treatment for early-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). As cord blood-derived PRP (CB-PRP) contains higher levels of bioactive mediators, this prospective study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CB-PRP versus homologous donor PRP (HD-PRP) in patients with early KOA and to evaluate whether CB-PRP results in greater clinical improvement. Fifty-one patients aged 46–70 years with Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–2 were randomized to receive either CB-PRP or HD-PRP. Each underwent three intra-articular injections at four-week intervals. Outcomes included pain-related overall health perception assessed by the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), function measured with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and quadriceps muscle strength evaluated by dynamometry. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Both groups showed improvements in pain and function over 12 months, with no statistically significant between-group differences (p = 0.46). EQ-VAS increased from 59 ± 19 to 83 ± 9 in the CB-PRP group and from 59 ± 18 to 77 ± 18 in the HD-PRP group. KOOS improved from 50 ± 25 to 68 ± 23 and from 38 ± 28 to 59 ± 24, respectively. Quadriceps strength showed no intergroup differences. Adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Both treatments demonstrated comparable clinical benefits and favorable safety profiles.

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