Clinical observation and radiographic evaluation of Biqi Capsule in treating knee osteoarthritis / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Biqi Capsule in treating knee osteoarthritis through randomized controlled trial, and investigate its effect on radiography. Methods: One hundred eligible patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive Biqi Capsule (intervention group) and Calcitriol Capsule (control group). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and VAS for pain were assessed at week 12 and 24. MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) was assessed at week 24. The safety index and adverse event were also tested before and after the trial. Results: A total of 100 participants were enrolled in this trial, of which 16 patients were lost to follow-up, and 84 patients were included into analysis for per-protocol set. The intervention group could better improve the WOMAC than the control group after 24-week treatment (P 0.05). However, in the sub-group analysis, the intervention group had an improvement on the MOAKS score in the patients who did not take the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (P 0.05). Conclusion: Biqi Capsule had a better treatment effects on the improvement of joint stiffness and function of patients with knee osteoarthritis. It also had a better effect in the patients who did not take NSAIDs on the radiographic evaluation.