Vitamin K in hand osteoarthritis: results from a randomised clinical trial

• Published in: Annals of the rheumatic diseases Vol. 67; no. 11; p. 1570
• Main Authors: Neogi, T, Felson, D T, Sarno, R, Booth, S L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-11-2008
• Subjects: Aged; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hand Joints - diagnostic imaging; Hand Joints - pathology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis - diagnostic imaging; Osteoarthritis - etiology; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Osteoarthritis - prevention & control; Radiography; Vitamin K 1 - blood; Vitamin K 1 - therapeutic use; Vitamin K Deficiency - blood; Vitamin K Deficiency - complications
• ISSN: 1468-2060
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2008.094771

Vitamin K has bone and cartilage effects, and previously shown to be associated with radiographic osteoarthritis. We evaluated vitamin K's effect on hand osteoarthritis in a randomised controlled trial.
This was an ancillary study to a randomised controlled trial assessing the effects of phylloquinone supplementation (vitamin K arm) versus placebo on bone loss and vascular calcification among older adults regardless of their vitamin K status. At the final 3-year study visit, we assessed the effects of vitamin K versus placebo on hand x-ray features of osteoarthritis using logistic regression and intention to treat, and also restricted analysis to the subgroup that had insufficient vitamin K concentrations at baseline.
This ancillary study had 378 participants (193 in vitamin K arm, 185 in placebo arm). There were no effects of randomisation to vitamin K for radiographic osteoarthritis outcomes. Those with insufficient vitamin K at baseline who attained sufficient concentrations at follow-up had trends towards 47% less joint space narrowing (p = 0.02).
There was no overall effect of vitamin K on radiographic hand osteoarthritis.
that were insufficient in vitamin K at baseline who attained sufficient concentrations at follow-up may have had a benefit in joint space narrowing. A clinical trial in those who are vitamin K insufficient may be warranted.
NCT00183001.