The effects of doxycycline on reducing symptoms in knee osteoarthritis: Results from a triple-blinded randomised controlled trial

Snijders GF et al. – Doxycycline is not effective in reducing symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients over a 24-week study period, but is associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Although a possible structure-modifying effect of doxycycline was previously suggested, this is not accompanied by symptom relief in the short and medium term.

Methods

• A 24-week, randomised, triple-blind, placebo controlled trial
• Assessed symptomatic effectiveness of doxycycline twice a day 100 mg in knee OA patients according to clinical and radiological American College of Rheumatology classification criteria
• Primary endpoint was difference in proportion of participants in both study groups achieving clinical response defined by OMERACT–OARSI set of responder criteria
• Secondary endpoints included pain, stiffness, daily functioning, patient global assessment,QOL, OA-related medication and SE

Results

• 232 patients
• Randomly assigned
• At study end, 31% of participants met primary endpoint in both groups
• Except for more AE in doxycycline group, no differences on secondary endpoints

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