Effectiveness and Safety of Intra-arterial Imipenem/Cilastatin Sodium Infusion for Patients with Hand Osteoarthritis–Related Interphalangeal Joint Pain

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intra-arterial imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) infusion for painful interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods Fifty-eight patients with interphalangeal joint OA who underwent intra-arterial IPM/CS infusion were retrospectively evaluated. Intra-arterial infusions were performed by percutaneous wrist arterial access. The numerical rating scale (NRS), functional index for hand osteoarthritis (FIHOA), and patient global impression of change (PGIC) scale were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months intervals. The clinical success was evaluated based on PGIC. Results All patients were followed-up for at least 6 months post-treatment. Of these, 30 and 6 patients were followed-up for 12 and 18 months, respectively. No severe or life-threatening adverse events were encountered. The mean NRS was 6.0 ± 1.4 at baseline, which significantly decreased to 2.8 ± 1.4, 2.2 ± 1.9, and 2.4 ± 1.9 at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment, respectively (all P < 0.001). The mean NRS were 2.8 ± 1.7 and 2.9 ± 1.9 at 12 and 18 months, respectively, in the remaining patients. The mean FIHOA score significantly decreased from 9.8 ± 5.0 at baseline to 4.1 ± 3.5 at 3 months (P < 0.001). The mean FIHOA score was 4.5 ± 3.3 at 12 months in the remaining 30 patients. The clinical success rates based on PGIC at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months were 62.1%, 77.6%, 70.7%, 63.4%, and 50.0%, respectively. Conclusions Intra-arterial IPM/CS infusion is a potential treatment option for interphalangeal joint OA.