Oclusión de la arteria central de la retina tras inyección facial de ácido hialurónico / Central retinal artery occlusion following facial injection of hyaluronic acid

Mujer de 57 años sin premorbilidades que acude por pérdida de visión súbita e indolora en el ojo derecho (OD). La agudeza visual mejor corregida fue de contar dedos a 10cm. En el OD se observó un defecto pupilar aferente relativo. El examen de fondo de ojo en el OD fue sugestivo de oclusión central de la arteria retiniana. La evaluación sistémica fue normal. Lo más interesante en este caso es que un edema hemorrágico en la región glabelar derecha fue la base de la sospecha diagnóstica. La paciente reconoció la pérdida de visión a las 24horas de la inyección de ácido hialurónico como tratamiento de rejuvenecimiento facial (AU)

A 57-year-old woman with no premorbidities presented with symptoms of sudden painless vision loss in the right eye (RE). Best-corrected visual acuity in the RE was counting fingers to 10cm. A relative afferent pupillary defect was observed in the RE. Ocular fundus examination of RE was suggestive of central retinal artery occlusion. Systemic evaluation was normal. The most interesting fact in this case is that a hemorrhagic edema in the right glabellar region was the basis for the diagnostic suspicion. The patient recognized the loss of vision 24hours after hyaluronic acid injection as a facial rejuvenation treatment (AU)

[Hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis of various localization: A review].

The article discusses the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), the prevalence of which is high, and according to some forecasts it will increase by 50% in the next 20 years. The authors emphasize the high comorbidity among patients suffering from OA and high cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks with frequent use of NSAIDs, the volume of consumption of which is constantly increasing. Discussing recommendations for the treatment of patients with OA, the article focuses on the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations in the treatment of OA. The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective actions of HA in the joint, its effect on cartilage and synovial membrane are discussed. Attention is drawn to the fact that, despite more than 30 years of experience in the effective use of HA preparations in the treatment of OA, this procedure is still a subject of controversy among international professional communities. The article presents data from meta-analyses and systematic reviews confirming the effectiveness of the use of intra-articular management of HA preparations in OA of various localization (knee joints, hip joints, hand joints). In conclusion, the recommendations of the technical expert group established at the International Symposium on Intra-Articular Treatment are given to determine the criteria for the successful administration of HA in OA of various localizations, as well as predictors of success and non-success of therapy with HA drugs. The experts identified indications, contraindications for intra-articular administration of HA preparations, as well as conditions associated with an increased risk of therapy failure. In conclusion, the authors draw conclusions about the importance of using HA preparations for intra-articular administration for the treatment of OA, starting from the early stages, following the recommendations of experts.

Eficacia de la hialuronidasa retrobulbar en el tratamiento de la ceguera provocada por rellenos cosméticos. Revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of retrobulbar hyaluronidase in the treatment of visual loss caused by periocular hyaluronic acid injection. A systematic review

Introducción La pérdida visual relacionada con la inyección periocular de rellenos con fines cosméticos es infrecuente pero muy grave. Como recomendaciones protocolizadas ante la pérdida visual por inyección intravascular inadvertida de ácido hialurónico se encuentran, entre otras, la inyección de hialorunidasa en el espacio retroocular. Es de esperar que, dada la creciente demanda de tratamientos de rellenos estéticos y la gran heterogeneidad de profesionales que pueden administrarlos, el número de casos y complicaciones relacionadas con estos procedimientos se incremente de manera sustancial. Objetivo Evaluar si existe evidencia científica para recomendar la inyección retroocular de hialuronidasa en el tratamiento de pérdidas visuales relacionadas con la inyección periocular de ácido hialurónico cosmético. Material y métodos Hemos realizado una búsqueda de artículos publicados en inglés y español siguiendo la declaración PRISMA sobre el uso de hialuronidasa retrobulbar para revertir la pérdida de visión producida por los rellenos de ácido hialurónico. Los artículos revisados incluyeron los casos clínicos y las investigaciones experimentales. Identificamos a un total de 13 pacientes en esta revisión siguiendo unos criterios de inclusión y exclusión definidos. Finalmente, incluimos 15 artículos en el estudio, 13 de ellos fueron casos/series de casos. Los 2artículos restantes son estudios experimentales en animales con grupo control, en los que, tras provocar una oclusión selectiva de la arteria oftálmica, se administran inyecciones seriadas de hialuronidasa retroocular con control de la función visual. Resultados De los 15 artículos incluidos en el estudio, recogimos los datos de un total de 17 pacientes que, tras inyección de ácido hialurónico facial por motivos estéticos, presentaron una disminución brusca de la visión y en los que se inyectaron dosis variables de hialuronidasa retroocular (AU)

Introduction Blindness after periocular cosmetic filler injection is a rare but devastating complication. Complication management protocols recommend injecting retrobulbar hyaluronidase if visual loss related to accidental intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid occurs. Given the dramatic increase in cosmetic filler injections and the variety of professionals that can deliver them, it is reasonable to assume that the incidence of complications will rise significantly. Objective To evaluate if there is evidence-based efficacy of retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection in visual loss secondary to periocular cosmetic filler injection. Material and methods The authors performed a search of English and Spanish language articles following the PRISMA statement published on the use of retrobulbar hyaluronidase to reverse vision loss precipitated by hyaluronic acid gel fillers. Articles reviewed included case reports/series and experimental investigations. We identified a total of 13 patients in this review following defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, we included 15 articles in the study, 12 of them were cases / case series. The 2remaining articles are experimental studies in animals with a control group, in which after causing selective occlusion of the ophthalmic artery, serial injections of retroocular hyaluronidase are administered with control of visual function. Results Of the 15 articles included in the study, we studied 17 patients treated with retrobulbar hyaluronidase for hyaluronic acid-induced blindness. Improvement was demonstrated in 3 cases. Animal studies demonstrate variable data are provided regarding the recovery of visual acuity. Conclusions There is no confirmed evidence of retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection effectiveness in treating visual loss due to accidental intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid. More studies are needed to show the efficacy of hyaluronidase as a treatment for blindness caused by hyaluronic acid (AU)

Histopathological features of iatrogenic occlusive vasculopathy caused by intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection for osteoarthritis.

Occlusive vasculopathy may rarely occur after intra-articular injection with hyaluronic acid. The associated histological changes are not well described. Herein, we would like to present representative histology of this phenomenon.

Differential characteristics and management of pseudoseptic arthritis following hyaluronic acid injection is a rare complication: a systematic review.

IMPORTANCE: Acute pseudoseptic arthritis is a rare complication of hyaluronic acid (HA) injections that is not well documented in the literature. Practitioners initially suspect the symptoms of this complication to represent septic arthritis, cautiously prescribing antibiotics. This review identifies that time to presentation of symptoms postinjection, negative cell cultures and lack of crystallisation could be used as differentials to suspect pseudoseptic arthritis and to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs while closely monitoring change of symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of pseudoseptic arthritis. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A systematic review of the literature was conducted for studies reporting the use of HA injections for osteoarthritis resulting in pseudoseptic arthritis using the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed. Pertinent data were abstracted from the search yield. A unique case of a pseudoseptic reaction is also presented. FINDINGS: A total of 11 studies (28 cases), all of level IV and V evidence were included in this review. Reported cases of pseudoseptic arthritis in the literature present with severe joint pain (100%), effusion (100%), inability to weight-bear, functional impairment, and occasionally fever (22.2%). C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are generally elevated (71.4% and 85.7%, respectively), and leucocytosis above 10 000 was less common (50%). All reported cases in the literature identified aseptic growth on arthrocentesis, despite four cases (15.4%) reporting synovial leucocyte counts above 50 000. The presented case is the highest reported leucocyte count at 1 74 960 cells/mm3. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Acute pseudoseptic arthritis is rare, but a number of cases have been reported in the literature. A high degree of suspicion for pseudoseptic arthritis may be maintained in patients who present under 72 hours following HA injection. Initial antibiotic treatment, along with anti-inflammatory medications until cultures are confirmed to be negative at 5 days, is a cautious approach. However, the strength of this conclusion is limited by the few reported cases. Ultimately, this review is intended to inform practitioners of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this complication, such that it could be safely differentiated from septic arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Histopathologic reaction patterns to differentially cross-linked hyaluronic acid fillers: A retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid filler reactions have been increasingly observed in recent years. Our study investigates whether the increased number of filler reactions observed since 2014 is associated with a specific histopathologic inflammatory pattern and type of filler. METHODS: The institution's dermatopathology electronic database was retrospectively searched for histopathologic reactions to hyaluronic acid from January 2014 to December 2019. The age, sex, type of filler, procedure, location, and histopathologic patterns were recorded. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2019, there were 15 cases of granulomatous reactions to hyaluronic acid filler. In 10 of these cases, there was a characteristic inflammatory pattern characterized by tightly cuffed palisades of histiocytes with varying numbers of eosinophils. Of the 11 cases in which the type of filler was known, all used Vycross technology, a novel manufacturing process in the production of hyaluronic acid filler. CONCLUSION: A characteristic histopathologic pattern of discrete foci of tightly cuffed palisaded granulomas with eosinophils is associated with fillers manufactured using Vycross technology.

Hylan G-F20 and galactomannan joint flares are associated to acute synovitis and release of inflammatory cytokines.

BACKGROUND: Injection of Hylan G-F20 (HY) into joints may provoke local flares, which mechanisms may involve reaction to protein contaminants. We have previously developed a protein-free saline-soluble galactomannan derived from guar gum (GM) that displays both analgesia and chondroprotection in experimental osteoarthritis (OA). We now demonstrate that both GM and Hylan G-F20 (HY) promote mild synovitis with cytokine release after intra-articular injection. METHODS: Mice received 100 µg/25 µL GM or HY or saline into the knees. Joint pain was evaluated using von Frey test; cell influx, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and CXCL-1 (pg/mL) levels were assessed in joint lavage at 6 h. Synovia were excised for histopathology. RESULTS: Neither GM nor HY after being given into mice knee joints induced pain albeit promoting mild cell influx into joint washings as well as mild synovitis at histology, with no damage to the underlying cartilage. HY but not GM promoted IL-1 release into mice joints. Both compounds induced IL-6 and CXCL-1 release. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of HY or GM promote acute transient synovitis whilst not provoking detectable significant joint damage. Local administration of these polysaccharides induces acute intra-articular release of inflammatory cytokines, which may account for joint flares following viscosupplementation.

Effects and safety of the combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the combined application of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can repair degenerated cartilage and delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of the intra-articular injection of PRP combined with HA compared with the intra-articular injection of PRP or HA alone in the treatment of KOA. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched from inception to December 2019. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies of PRP combined with HA for KOA were included. Two orthopaedic surgeons conducted the literature retrieval and extracted the data. Outcome indicators included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), the Lequesne Index, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and adverse events (AEs). Review Manager 5.3 was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) of the pooled data. STATA 14.0 was used for quantitative publication bias evaluation. RESULTS: Seven studies (5 randomized controlled trials, 2 cohort studies) with a total of 941 patients were included. In the VAS comparison after 6 months of follow-up, PRP combined with HA was more likely to reduce knee pain than PRP alone (SMD: - 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.55 to - 0.06; P = 0.01 < 0.05). PRP combined with HA for KOA achieved better improvements in the WOMAC Function Score (SMD: -0.32; 95% CI: - 0.54 to - 0.10; P < 0.05) and WOMAC Total Score (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: - 0.67 to - 0.17; P < 0.05) at the 12-month follow-up than did the application of PRP alone. In a comparison of Lequesne Index scores at the 6-month follow-up, PRP combined with HA improved knee pain scores more than PRP alone (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: - 0.67 to - 0.17; P < 0.05). In terms of AEs, PRP combined with HA was not significantly different from PRP or HA alone (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with intra-articular injection of PRP alone, that of PRP combined with HA can improve the WOMAC Function Scores, WOMAC Total Score, 6-month follow-up VAS ratings, and Lequesne Index scores. However, in terms of the incidence of AEs, PRP combined with HA is not significantly different from PRP or HA alone.

Optic perineuritis secondary to hyaluronic acid injections: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although a safe, excellent administration method for hyaluronic acid derivatives has been documented; improper injections can lead to devastating and irreversible consequences. Here, we present the first known case of optic perineuritis caused by hyaluronic acid. CASE PRESENTATION: A young female experienced sudden orbital pain in the right eye after receiving hyaluronic acid injections to the eyebrows. She presented to the eye clinic two weeks later, after developing blurred vision in the right eye. Visual acuity was reduced significantly in the right eye. Automated visual field examination showed defects in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed bilateral swelling of optic discs. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated bilateral perineural enhancement consistent with optic perineuritis. The patient was treated with retrobulbar injection of hyaluronidase and oral prednisolone. Her vision improved with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for visual outcomes in patients with optic perineuritis is generally excellent. However, a poor prognosis is associated with delays to the initiation of treatment. Recognizing this condition is important, and treatment with corticosteroids should be initiated early.

Ophthalmic artery occlusion combined with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis caused by hyaluronic acid injection for facial soft tissue augmentation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Cosmetic hyaluronic acid injections for facial soft tissue augmentation are gaining popularity because of their convenience and favorable outcomes. Several associated complications have been described; however, ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) combined with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST) has been rarely reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old woman presented with sudden loss of vision and severe pain in the left eye, right upper limb weakness, and headache immediately after hyaluronic acid injection on the left side of her forehead. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and digital subtraction angiography, indicated OAO and SSST. INTERVENTIONS: Various clinical examinations were performed, and the patient was treated by thrombolysis, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, a formula for the nourishment of the optic nerve, and measures for improving the microcirculation. OUTCOMES: The treatment response was closely observed. The intracerebral hemorrhages were absorbed after 2 weeks of treatment, while the clinical manifestations, including ocular pain, headache, and limb dysfunction, were gradually alleviated. However, the visual acuity in the left eye remained at no light perception. LESSONS: Cosmetic hyaluronic acid injection can result in emergent and catastrophic complications that require immediate treatment. Thus, the development of appropriate prevention and management protocols for such scenarios is considered crucial.

Biocompatibility study of different hyaluronan products for intra-articular treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular (IA) injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) (IA-HA) is a well-recognized treatment option for pain associated with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). IA-HA products differ in their HA content, molecular weight, cross-linking, and source of HA. These differences are assumed to affect the biocompatibility of the IA-HA products once injected inside the knee joint. METHODS: In the present study, we investigated the biocompatibility of three multiple-injection IA-HA products available in the global market. These included SUPARTZ FX™, a medium range molecular weight HA derived from rooster comb (Avian-HA); ORTHOVISC®, a high range molecular weight HA obtained through biological fermentation (Bio-HA); and SYNVISC®, a high molecular weight cross-linked hyaluronan derived from rooster comb (Avian-CL-HA). Rabbit knee joint tissues were histologically and biochemically examined after IA injection of the products. Furthermore, we compared the amounts of impurities in the IA-HA products. RESULTS: IA injection of Avian-CL-HA into rabbit knee joints induced the aggregation of inflammatory cells, infiltration of eosinophils, and an increase in the number of cells in the synovial fluid. However, these effects were not seen in the Avian-HA and Bio-HA groups. The residual protein content and the contaminant levels of bacterial endotoxins were below the limit of quantitation in all HA products. Avian-CL-HA contained relatively a large amount of (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan, but this was below the lower limit of quantification in the other HA products. CONCLUSIONS: The present results clearly demonstrate that the biocompatibility of Avian-HA is comparable to that of Bio-HA, and they were both considered to have a favorable safety profile for the treatment of symptomatic OA of the knee. However, immunostimulatory activity was observed after injection of Avian-CL-HA: this might be a result of its unique cross-linking structure and/or the considerable amount of (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan impurity present in the formulation.

Hyaluronic acid in tobacco-exposed rats. Inflammatory reaction, and duration of effect1.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hyaluronic acid (HA) inflammatory reaction, fibroblasts, fibrosis and duration of effect in the dorsal region of tobacco-exposed rats. METHODS: Ten Wistar rats were divided into two groups: tobacco-exposed-group (TEG;n=5) and air-control-group (CG;n=5). The TEG animals were tobacco-exposed twice a day, 30-minutes/session, during 60 days. After this period, all animals received 0.1 mL HA subcutaneous injection in the dorsal area. The volume of HA was measured immediately after HA injection and weekly using a hand-caliper in nine weeks. After this period, all the animals were euthanized, and a specimen of was collected to evaluate inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and fibrosis by HE. RESULTS: This study showed a higher inflammatory reaction in TEG than CG: inflammatory cell-count (CG: 1.07±0.9; TEG: 8.61±0.36, p<0.001); fibroblast count (CG: 2.92±0.17; TEG: 19.14±0.62, p<0.001), and fibrosis quantification (CG: 2.0; TEG: 3.75, p<0.001). The analysis of the HA volume in nine weeks in the dorsal region did not show a difference between groups (p=0.39). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that the HA injection in the TEG caused an increase in inflammatory cell count, fibroblast, and fibrosis quantification when compared to the CG. There was no difference in the duration of effect of HA between the groups.

Experimentally Induced Arterial Embolism by Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Clinicopathologic Observations and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Although major complications of hyaluronic acid injection rarely occur, with the rapidly growing number of procedures performed and their expanding applications, such complications warrant greater attention. Our study was designed to explore optimal treatment methods for hyaluronic acid-related vascular occlusion. METHODS: In the first part of the study, 60 rats were given intraarterial hyaluronic acid injected into the bilateral inferior epigastric arteries to establish an animal model, and were euthanized at different postinjection time points. The inferior epigastric artery was retrieved for pathologic examination. In the second part of the study, bilateral abdominal flaps supplied by the inferior epigastric artery were elevated in six groups of rats, and hyaluronic acid was injected into the right side, with each group receiving a different intervention. The flap survival rate was calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: In the first part of the study, pathologic examination revealed that the composition of the emboli caused by arterial hyaluronic acid-induced occlusion changed from pure hyaluronic acid to a hyaluronic acid-thrombus mixture. In the second part of the study, flap survival rates (mean percentages) were as follows: group A, 43.29 ± 9.28 percent; group B, 54.17 ± 10.86 percent; group C, 59.27 ± 13.40 percent; group D, 64.37 ± 8.61 percent; group E, 71.92 ± 19.06 percent; and group F, 57.47 ± 13.64 percent. Group A differed significantly from groups B, C, D, and E (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between groups A and F (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of intravenous or subcutaneous hyaluronidase and urokinase was most effective in treating hyaluronic acid injection-related arterial embolism after 45 minutes and 24 hours. This treatment may be ineffective after 48 hours.

Therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave combined with hyaluronic acid on knee osteoarthritis.

This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave (EPSW) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).This retrospective study included 70 patients with KOA. Of those subjects, 35 of them received EPSW combined HA, and were allocated to a treatment group, while the other 35 participants received HA alone and were allocated to a control group. Patients in both groups were treated for a total of 8 weeks. The primary outcome was measured by visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes were measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). In addition, adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated. All outcomes were measured before and after the treatment.After the treatment, patients in the treatment group exhibited better efficacy in VAS (P < .01), WOMAC scale (pain, P < .01; function, P < .01; and stiffness, P < .01), and KOOS scores (pain, P < .01; function in daily living, P < .01; symptoms, P < .01; sport and recreation, P < .01; and quality of life, P < .01), than patients in the control group. In addition, no significant differences regarding the AEs were found between 2 groups.The findings of this study demonstrated that the efficacy of EPSW combined with HA is superior to the HA alone for patients with KOA.

Hyaluronic acid injection in glans penis for treatment of premature ejaculation: a randomized controlled cross-over study.

This randomized controlled cross-over study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of glans penis injection with hyaluronic acid (HA) in treating premature ejaculation (PE). A total of 30 patients with PE were randomly allocated into two groups: group 1 (n = 15) which was subjected to glans penis HA injection and group 2 (n = 15) which was injected with saline as a control then both groups were subjected to follow-up at 1 week and 1 month after injection. These subjects were evaluated by intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and the Arabic validated index of premature ejaculation (AIPE). After a wash-out period, cross-over and re-evaluation of both groups were carried. Additionally, patients with reported improvement after 1 month of HA injection (n = 20) were subjected to extended evaluation by IELT at 3, 6, and 9 months intervals. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant improvement after HA in comparison with saline across the follow-up periods (F(1.66: 91.37) = 24.85, p = 0.001). Post-hoc Bonferroni test indicated no significant difference after 1 week period in comparison with baseline IELT, but a significant difference after 1 month of injection in comparison with baseline IELT (p < 0.001) and after 1 week (p < 0.001). After 1 month of HA, IELT increased by a median of 2.6 folds while 1.1 folds increase was observed after 1 month of saline injection. Total AIPE scores improved significantly after HA injection compared with baseline (p = 0.003) and saline scores (p = 0.002). Reported adverse effects were minimal and self-limited. It could be concluded that glans penis injection with HA for treatment of PE is a safe method that ensures a modest but significant increase in IELT and improves couple sexual satisfaction.

Comparison of Infection Risk with Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injection Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that intra-articular injections ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. We are aware of no previous study that has differentiated the risk of periprosthetic joint infection on the basis of the type of medication injected. In addition, we are aware of no prior study that has evaluated whether hyaluronic acid injections increase the risk of infection after total knee arthroplasty. In this study, we utilized pharmaceutical data to compare patients who received preoperative corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections and to determine whether a specific injection type increased the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. METHODS: Patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty were selected from a nationwide private insurer database. Ipsilateral preoperative injections were identified and were grouped by medication codes for corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid. Patients who had received both types of injections ≤1 year before total knee arthroplasty were excluded. The outcome of interest was periprosthetic joint infection that occurred ≤6 months following the total knee arthroplasty. The risk of periprosthetic joint infection was compared between groups (no injection, corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid) and between patients who received single or multiple injections. Statistical comparisons were performed using logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 58,337 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty during the study period; 3,249 patients (5.6%) received hyaluronic acid and 16,656 patients (28.6%) received corticosteroid ≤1 year before total knee arthroplasty. The overall infection rate was 2.74% in the no-injection group. Multivariable logistic regression showed independent periprosthetic joint infection risk for both corticosteroid (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; p = 0.014) and hyaluronic acid (OR, 1.55; p = 0.029) given ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty. There was no increased risk with injections >3 months prior to total knee arthroplasty. Direct comparison of corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between medications or between single and multiple injections. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty increased the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. There was no difference in infection risk between medications or between multiple and single injections. On the basis of these data, we recommend avoiding both injection types in the 3 months prior to total knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hyaluronic acid is superior to autologous fat for treatment of temporal hollowing after lateral orbital wall decompression: A prospective interventional trial.

PURPOSE: To compare injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) and autologous fat (AF) for the treatment of unsightly temporal hollowing after lateral orbital wall decompression in thyroid eye disease. METHODS: In this nonblinded prospective comparative interventional study, patients received injections of HA in the right temple and AF in the left temple. Additional injections were given when needed at follow-up after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Follow-up included an interview; clinical examination with an evaluation of symmetry, contour, and skin surface; and ultrasound measurements. From photographs, the temporal hollowing was graded 1-3. The main endpoints were grading of temporal hollowing and temporal soft tissue thickness. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were treated bilaterally and 12 unilaterally (five received HA and seven AF). Injection(s) of HA and AF administered at each site were a median (range) of 1 (1-4) and 2 (1-5), respectively. The total combined volume of HA injected per site was 0.9 (0.2-2.0) ml and that of AF was 3.1 (0.5-9.6) ml. At the final examination, a statistically significant difference in mean (SD) grading scores of temporal hollowing due to HA (1.18 (0.26)) compared to those of AF (1.85 (0.44)) was observed (p < 0.001). Six months after administering an injection of HA, the temporal soft tissue thickness was 2.35 (0.24) cm compared to 2.19 (0.28) cm obtained with an injection of AF (p < 0.001). By using a linear mixed-effect model and adjusting for baseline values, age, sex, and refill, the difference in favor of HA persisted at all later follow-ups. Increased fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissue developed at 5/24 sites that received AF. CONCLUSION: Injection of HA is superior to that of AF for treating temporal hollowing after lateral orbital wall decompression.