The use of topical cetylated fatty acid cream significantly reduces pain and improves patient satisfaction for individuals with hand osteoarthritis.
The results of a recent randomized double-blind clinical trial reveal promising advancements for those grappling with hand osteoarthritis, bringing hope for effective pain management.
Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced hand function, impacting the quality of life for millions globally. Traditionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been the go-to treatment; yet, they often come with unwanted side effects. Seeking to introduce alternative options, researchers investigated the efficacy of topical cetylated fatty acids (CFA) as therapy.
According to findings from this trial led by researchers at Songkla’s tertiary center, patients applying the CFA cream reported significantly lower pain scores compared to those using a placebo. Over six weeks, patients receiving the topical CFA exhibited average pain scores of 2.2, substantially lower than the 3.2 registered by the control group. Patient satisfaction metrics also favored the CFA group, hinting at the prospect of improved treatment pathways.
The study, published recently, involved 72 participants, aged between 55 and 72, who met the American College of Rheumatology/Osteoarthritis criteria for hand OA. Prior to randomization, all individuals underwent thorough screening, ensuring they fit specific inclusion criteria to yield valid results.
Topical CFA consists of naturally occurring fatty compounds known for reducing inflammation and promoting cellular health. These compounds help manage osteoarthritis pain similarly to other fatty acid treatments utilized within rheumatology. Prior studies had mainly addressed CFA’s effect on knee OA, marking this trial as one of the first to provide insight on its impact within hand osteoarthritis.
Throughout the trial, patients were treated with either the CFA cream or placebo, administered twice daily for six weeks. Data assessment occurred at baseline, along with two, four, and six-week intervals, exploring various measures including the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Patient Global Assessment (PGA).
Interestingly, improvements arose not immediately but only after the four-week mark. This delay highlights the need for practitioners to note the accumulation of topical treatment over time for effective symptom alleviation.
Importantly, the study also emphasizes CFA’s safety profile, as no adverse reactions or skin irritations were observed among patients receiving CFA—contrasting with reports from the placebo group. Such findings align with previous literature, which suggests topical treatments may offer fewer adverse effects than systemic therapies.
Aggregate findings indicate topical CFACream could become a valuable asset in hand OA management. The study’s authors advocate for continued exploration of this and other alternative treatments, recognizing the increasing need for effective therapies amid growing global prevalence rates.
While this preliminary research presents positive outcomes, authors also caution against overselling the benefits; future investigations should focus on longitudinal studies and comparative analyses with established treatments.
Conclusion: Topical CFACream demonstrates potency against pain and offers sound enhancements to patient satisfaction, signaling its potential role as therapeutic intervention for hand osteoarthritis.