An Oral Form of Cetylated Fatty Acids versus Meloxicam for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Objective/aim: This study aimed to assess how effective an oral form of Cetylated fatty acids compounds (CFA) is in improving the physical function, pain, and stiffness of individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) and how its effectiveness compares to that of Meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Methods: For this parallel-arm randomised clinical trial, 48 adult patients with knee OA were divided into two groups. The intervention group was prescribed 350mg CFA capsule three times per day for 30 days. The control group was given 15mg of Meloxicam, one tablet daily for ten days. Patients were instructed to fill out the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were obtained before the administration of the first dose (considered baseline or t₀), and two (t₁), four (t₂), and eight (t₃) weeks after the final dose of each intervention.

Results: No significant differences were observed in total WOMAC and OKS scores between the two groups at t₁, t₂, or t₃. However, both groups had significant improvements in their OKS, VAS, and total WOMAC scores compared to their baselines (t₀). No adverse events were noted in the CFA group.

Conclusion: Improvements in pain intensity and overall physical function were reported in the CFA group. Oral CFAs could safely benefit patients with knee OA.