Intra-articular vs. systemic administration of etanercept in antigen-induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint. Part I: histological effects
2009

Comparing Injections of Etanercept for Arthritis in Rabbits

Sample size: 42 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kristensen Kasper D, Stoustrup Peter, Küseler Annelise, Pedersen Thomas K, Nyengaard Jens R, Hauge Ellen, Herlin Troels

Primary Institution: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus

Hypothesis

Does intra-articular etanercept have a different effect on inflammation compared to systemic etanercept in antigen-induced TMJ arthritis in rabbits?

Conclusion

Systemic etanercept showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, while intra-articular etanercept did not significantly reduce inflammation in the tested parameters.

Supporting Evidence

  • Systemic etanercept significantly reduced plasma cell counts in the sub-synovial connective tissue.
  • No significant differences in synovial lining thickness were observed between treatment groups.
  • Intra-articular etanercept did not lower the number of plasma cells compared to saline injections.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different ways of giving a medicine called etanercept affect arthritis in rabbits. It found that one way worked much better than the other.

Methodology

Forty-two rabbits were divided into three groups: one received saline, one received intra-articular etanercept, and one received systemic etanercept, with inflammation induced in the temporomandibular joints.

Potential Biases

There may be bias due to the differences in the total dose received by the systemic group compared to the intra-articular group.

Limitations

The study was limited by the small sample size and the potential for bias in comparing systemic and local drug administration.

Participant Demographics

Forty-two female New Zealand white rabbits, 10 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.009

Confidence Interval

95% confidence intervals reported

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1546-0096-7-5

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