The present study is designed to test the hypothesis that Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid (IAHA) is superior to placebo in slowing structural progression and on long term symptomatic effect in primary knee Osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The investigators will perform a multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial.
The target population will be patients with the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis who are followed at two Portuguese hospitals (Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Norte - Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental - Hospital Egas Moniz). All patients selected will be included in the intention-to-treat group. Then, using blocked randomization method they will be assigned to receive either IAHA, or placebo (saline solution). At both hospitals the study will consist of four injections of IAHA, 6 months apart, plus a 6 month period after the injection, resulting in a total follow-up period of 24 months. Before each new cycle a follow-up consultation will be performed in order to assess pain and function (KOOS), quality of life (SF-36), adverse events and consumption of acetaminophen and NSAIDS regarding the week before evaluation. X-rays will be performed in the beginning of follow-up, one year after that and 6 months after the last cycle of IAHA or placebo injections (24 months). Ultrasound evaluation will be performed at the target knee in same time points as X-rays by two rheumatologists trained in musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. Additionally, the investigators will assess potential biochemical biomarkers of knee OA structural progression and response to treatment. Measurements will be performed in both serum and urine and, If possible, synovial fluid aspiration will be performed and together with blood and urine samples stored at the Biobanco-IMM Instituto de Medicina Molecular for analysis. Biologic samples collection will be performed at baseline and repeated at the 4th, 12th, 24th, 36th weeks, and then every 6 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
300
Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental - Hospital Egas Moniz
Lisbon, Lisbon District, Portugal
RECRUITINGCentro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte
Lisbon, Portugal
RECRUITINGJoint Space Width
Mean change of minimal JSW of the most affected compartment of the tibiofemural joint in both placebo and IAHA groups at the end of follow-up (2 years).
Time frame: 2 years
OMERACT/OARSI 2004 response
Proportion of patients achieving symptomatic relief according to OMERACT/OARSI 2004 response criteria at 6 months of follow-up in both placebo and IAHA groups. OMERACT/OARSI 2004 will be determined using KOOS questionnaire.
Time frame: 6 months
OMERACT/OARSI 2004 response
Proportion of patients achieving symptomatic relief according to OMERACT/OARSI 2004 criteria at each follow-up visit. OMERACT/OARSI 2004 will be determined using KOOS questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 years
Ocurrence of Knee replacement surgery
Proportion of patients submitted to knee replacement surgery at the end of follow-up
Time frame: 2 years
Acetaminophen Consumption
Mean consumption of acetaminophen (mg/day) at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years
NSAIDs
Mean consumption of NSAIDs (mg/day) at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years
SF-36 questionnaire - Physical Score
Mean score of SF-36 questionnaire at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years
SF-36 questionnaire - Mental Score
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Mean score of SF-36 questionnaire at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years
Euro QoL 5D
Mean score of Euro QoL 5D questionnaire at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years
Adverse events
Total number of adverse events occurring on both placebo and IAHA groups at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years
Visual Analog Scale
Mean VAS score at 2 years
Time frame: 2 years
Visual Analog Scale
Mean VAS score at each follow-up visit.
Time frame: 2 years