engleski

Changes of pain intensity results with different followup times in randomized controlled trials of osteoarthritis

Objectives: The aim of this Thesis was to conduct comprehensive analysis of efficacy data for pain in randomized controlled trial RCTs about Celecoxib in osteoarthritis (OA). The ultimate purpose of this study is to improve long-term management of pain for patients suffering from OA by guiding clinical decision making, and to create evidence that will inform design of future RCTs about OA. Material and Methods: This was a methodological study in which publicly available data from RCTs were analyzed. RCTs analyzing the effects of 200 mg celecoxib vs. placebo on pain intensity with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were included. Random effect meta-analysis was used for different pain outcome measures and different follow-up times. Standardized mean differences were used to report the data. Results: We found a decreasing trend of a numerical indicator for efficacy of celecoxib for treatment of pain in RCTs comparing Celecoxib 200 mg to Placebo and reported pain results with the VAS and WOMAC scale. Standardized mean differences remained relatively constant with VAS and WOMAC over most follow-up times. The later follow-up times showed a decreased SMD for VAS at 13 weeks as well as for WOMAC with 24 weeks. Conclusion: Our data indicates that efficacy of celecoxib 200 mg could decrease over longer follow-up times. Future trials should include assessment at longer follow-up times for adequate assessment of efficacy and safety of celecoxib.

clinical trials

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