Knee Osteoarthritis: comparing saline, PRP, and PL injections
Official title: Comparison of Effectiveness Between Platelet Lysate and Platelet-rich Plasma on Knee Osteoarthritis: a Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT03734900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether saline, platelet-rich plasma, or platelet lysate injections can relieve pain and improve function in people with knee OA.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 15, 2018 |
| Main results expected | May 14, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 14, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03734900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 50–80 with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1–3) and significant knee pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with advanced deformity, instability, or contraindications to injections may not benefit from these treatments.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 4 trial enrolling adults with grade 1–3 knee OA. Participants are assigned to receive saline, PRP, or PL injections into the knee and are followed to assess outcomes. The trial aims to determine the relative effectiveness and safety of autologous platelet products compared with placebo. Platelet lysate is expected to reduce inflammation and pain with potentially fewer inflammatory responses than PRP. The lead site is National Taiwan University Hospital.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better pain control and function with a treatment that could reduce medical costs and delay surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies with platelet products show promise for knee OA, but results vary and this trial adds a direct comparison to placebo.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 50 to 80 years old * Study Subjects must be willing to sign Informed Consent to participate in the study * In the past month, at least seven consecutive days in the squat, standing, walking or going up and down the stairs, the most serious degree of visual analogy of the knee pain (Visual Analogue Scale) is greater than or equal to 40 (the most pain is 100, not painful is 0) * Morning joint stiffness is less than 30 minutes * X-ray：Grade 1-3 radiographic OA as defined by the K-L classification Exclusion Criteria: * Knee instability * The knee joint is obviously deformed (\> 5 degree valgus or varus deviation on X-ray) * Clinical diagnosed as Pes tendinitis, Chondromalacia * Taking NSAIDs or steroids (including oral and injection) within one week * Using anticoagulant drugs for a long time * Platelet count is less than 150,000 / UL, or coagulation disorders, prothrombin time (PT value) is less than 11 seconds or greater than 16 seconds * Leukemia, sepsis, platelet dysfunction or other blood related diseases * tumors, infections or the trauma before the same site * Pregnancy
Where it's running
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National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: WU Chueh-Hung, MD, CIPS
- Email: nojred@gmail.com
- Phone: 0223123456
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.