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A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Intra-Articular Corticosteroids: Symptom and Disease Modification Osteoarthritis Effects and the Potential Impact on Healthy Joints (Part 1)
  • Paula Keiko Anadão Tokawa,
  • Raquel Baccarin,
  • Gustavo Zanotto
Paula Keiko Anadão Tokawa
Universidade de Sao Paulo

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Raquel Baccarin
Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, USP
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Gustavo Zanotto
Texas A&M University System
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Abstract

Background: The importance of intra-articular corticosteroid treatment for osteoarthritis with its possible adverse effects requires a comprehensive review. Objectives: This review answers the following questions: 1) What evidence is available regarding the symptom-modifying and disease-modifying changes related to a single intra-articular corticosteroid injection for treating osteoarthritis? Moreover, 2) What evidence suggests corticosteroids are detrimental to equine joint health? Study design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in June/2022 in PubMed, CAB, and the Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were applied to titles and abstracts. For each question, further criteria were applied. The risk of bias was assessed according to the study design. Results: We generated 6,417 titles, and 23 articles fit all inclusion criteria for single-injection corticosteroid treatments; 21 were included regarding corticosteroid effects on joint health. Studies were usually rated as having an unclear risk of bias. Single-injection protocols lead to short-term symptom-modifying osteoarthritic changes with conflicting results regarding disease-modifying osteoarthritis. Healthy joints demonstrated disturbances in metabolism and tissue changes, with dose-dependent effects found in vitro. Main limitations: There is a lack of studies regarding the topics–primarily for equine species. Conclusions: Symptom-modifying osteoarthritic changes after a single injection are short-term; however, a consistent disease-modifying osteoarthritis effect is yet to be established. Joint health appears to be disturbed by corticosteroids as their effects on normal joints show adverse changes in tissues and metabolism.
08 Nov 2023Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
08 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
08 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
09 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
14 Jul 20241st Revision Received
15 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
15 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned