The effect of hydroxychloroquine on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder of
articular cartilage and is the most common type of arthritis in
the elderly. There are only a few reports regarding the use of
Hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Methods: To investigate the effects of Hydroxychloroquine on the
symptoms of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren and
Lawrence grade II and III), we performed a double-blind, placebocontrolled
study in 44 patients. The patients were randomly
assigned to two groups: one group received Hydroxychloroquine
pills (200 mg twice daily) and the other group received placebo
pills. Symptoms were assessed by the Western Ontario and
McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at
baseline and at the end of weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24.
Results: Approximately, 98% of the patients were women at an
average age of 47 years. There was no significant difference in the
baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the placebo
group, maximum improvement occurred at the 4th week; and
during the remaining time, there was no significant improvement.
In the Hydroxychloroquine group, maximum improvement
occurred at the 8th week and persisted over the entire remaining
follow-up period. There were significant differences between the
two groups regarding the degree of reduction in the WOMAC
total score and the WOMAC subscales scores of pain, stiffness,
and function at the end of weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24.
Conclusion: Hydroxychloroquine conferred significant
improvement in the symptoms of mild to moderate knee
osteoarthritis in our patients and may, accordingly, be recommended
for knee osteoarthritis treatment.