Effects of intraarticular 32P colloid in the treatment of hemophilic synovitis of the knee: A short term clinical study

Background: Chronic synovitis is a consequence of recurrent intraarticular hemorrhage in patients with hemophilia. Eventually, synovitis leads to degeneration of the articular cartilage, with serious consequences that impact the quality-of-life in hemophiliacs. The aim of our study was to investigate the short term clinical effects of intraarticular injection of the radionuclide preparation32P colloid (32P-labelled colloidal chromic phosphate suspension) on recurrent intraarticular hemorrhages in patients with hemophilic synovitis of the knee. Materials and Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria (n = 22) were enrolled in an open-label study between October 2011 and September 2012.32P colloid was injected into the knee joint and patients were followed up over 6 months after treatment. Hemorrhage frequency, visual analog scale pain score, hospital for special surgery knee score, knee circumference, upper knee circumference, knee diameter, and knee range of motion (ROM) were compared before and after treatment with intraarticular32P colloid injection. Results: In 24 knees evaluated in 22 participating patients, there was a significant reduction in the number of hemorrhages after32P colloid treatment, along with significant pain relief. However, there were no statistically significant changes in the degree of joint swelling, degree of muscle atrophy and knee ROM between the pre and post treatment evaluations. Conclusion: The frequency of joint hemorrhage in patients with hemophilic knee synovitis can be significantly reduced and local symptoms can be improved in the short term by intraarticular injection of32P colloid.