A prospective open-label, single-arm pilot study assessing the feasibility and tolerability of a topical multi-ingredient emulgel containing glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, curcumin, Boswellia serrata , ginger, oil of wintergreen, and menthol in children with haemophilic arthropathy

Objectives

This pilot study primarily evaluated the feasibility of study procedures, intervention delivery, adherence, safety, tolerability, and acceptability of adjunctive FreeFlex ™ Emulgel in children with symptomatic hemophilic knee arthropathy. Exploratory within-subject changes in knee-specific Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), faces pain scale–revised (FPS-R), and Pediatric Haemophilia Activities List (PedHAL) were assessed to estimate treatment effects and inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). Material and Methods: This prospective, open-label, single-arm pilot study enrolled ten male children with hemophilia A or B and symptomatic knee arthropathy. Participants applied FreeFlex ™ Emulgel twice daily for 4 weeks alongside routine care. Feasibility outcomes included intervention adherence, treatment acceptability, patient and caregiver satisfaction, and safety. Exploratory clinical outcomes included knee-specific HJHS, pain intensity measured using the FPS-R, and functional ability assessed by the PedHAL.