Expression of Concern
The Editors of Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine are issuing an Expression of Concern regarding the following article:
Tomaszewski M, Smereka J, Al-Jeabory M, et al. Platelet-rich plasma plus hyaluronic acid vs platelet-rich plasma intra-articular injections for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2026;35(5):753–764. doi:10.17219/acem/209523.
https://doi.org/10.17219/acem/209523
Following publication, concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of data extraction, statistical analyses, risk-of-bias assessment, and interpretation of selected findings.
As part of the journal’s post-publication review, independent statistical assessment identified discrepancies between data reported in the source publications and data used in several analyses in the published article. In a sample of 10 pooled VAS/KOOS analyses subjected to independent verification, discrepancies were identified in 5 analyses. Correction of these discrepancies changed the pooled effect estimates but did not alter the statistical significance of these specific analyses.
Additional concerns relate to the interpretation of selected outcomes, including the presentation of a 24-month VAS result derived from a single study and the reliability of the standardized effect estimate reported for this outcome. The authors have acknowledged that several aspects of the published article require correction and have proposed revised analyses and interpretations.
At present, however, the extent to which the identified discrepancies affect the reliability of the complete dataset and the conclusions of the article has not been conclusively established.
The journal has therefore initiated a comprehensive independent verification of the extracted data and reanalysis of the reported outcomes, including assessment of the revised risk-of-bias evaluations and sensitivity analyses.
This Expression of Concern is being published to alert readers while this assessment is ongoing. The journal will update the publication record when the independent evaluation has been completed. Depending on its findings, the matter may be resolved by a formal Correction or, if the results or conclusions are found to be unreliable, by Retraction.
The Editors
Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine