Oana Valentina Harsa

Dr. Oana Valentina Harsa


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 June 2026 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VCViorela Mihaela Ciortea
Viorela Mihaela Ciortea
ACAlina Deniza Ciubean
Alina Deniza Ciubean
TVTitus Vari
Titus Vari
IMIrina Motoasca
Irina Motoasca
OHOana Valentina Harsa
Oana Valentina Harsa
LILASZLO IRSAY
LASZLO IRSAY
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by chronic pain, functional limitation, and low-grade inflammation. While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained traction as a biologic therapy, the relationship between short-term clinical outcomes and systemic inflammatory biomarker dynamics remains poorly understood in routine clinical settings. Methods: This prospective observational study evaluated 40 patients with grade 2–3 KOA receiving a single ultrasound-guided intra-articular PRP injection. Clinical outcomes via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36), alongside serum inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein), were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks post-injection using paired tests and multivariable regression. Results: At 4 weeks, clinical scores improved significantly (all p < 0.001). Circulating IL-8 and TNF-α levels decreased significantly (p = 0.009 and p = 0.014, respectively), whereas IL-1β and IL-18 variations were non-significant. Baseline cytokines did not predict clinical outcomes, but a significant association emerged between ΔIL-18 and ΔWOMAC (p = 0.032). Conclusions: A single intra-articular PRP injection was associated with short-term clinical improvements and selected reductions in circulating IL-8 and TNF-α, although the clinical significance of these biomarker changes remains uncertain. Given the observational design and short follow-up, these preliminary findings require confirmation in larger controlled trials.