What is the Evidence of Hyaluronic Acid and Polyacrylamide Hydrogel in Intra-articular Therapy in Equines? Systematic Literature Review

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science 2020-03, Vol.86, p.102909-102909, Article 102909
• Main Authors: de Souza, Anderson Fernando, Paretsis, Nicole Fidalgo, De Zoppa, André Luis do Valle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrylic Resins; Animals; Horses; Hyaluronic Acid; Injections, Intra-Articular - veterinary; Joint; Lameness; Osteoarthritis; Retrospective Studies; Viscosupplementation
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102909

A systematic review was conducted to investigate evidence to support or refute the use of hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide hydrogel as intra-articular therapy in equines, which are frequent treatment options in the routine of veterinarians of equines in cases of osteoarthritis. In total, 19 studies were included, among clinical and in vitro studies, as well as a retrospective series of cases. The outcomes of the included studies provided fragile evidence supporting the recommendation for intra-articular use of hyaluronic acid. No study was included showing any clinical outcome in diseased synovial tissues of the polyacrylamide hydrogel. There is no concrete evidence of benefits, treatment protocols, and mechanisms of action of hyaluronic acid in the joint therapy in equines. •340 records were identified in which 19 studies were included.•No study showing any clinical outcome in synovial tissue injuries of the polyacrylamide hydrogel was included.•There are fragile evidence the recommendation for intra-articular use of HA.•Randomized clinical trials are needed to investigate VS in horses.