Comparative Evaluation of Symptom Relief and Disease Modifying Effect of Chondroitin with Glucosamine sulfate and Diacerein in Osteoarthritis Knee

Abstract

Background and Objective: Osteoarthritis [OA] is one of the most common joint disease which has led to great morbidity and disability. Symptomatic Slow acting drugs for osteoarthritis which includes glucosamine sulphate and related compounds, chondroitin sulphate, and diacerein have been found to provide symptom relief and possible structure modifying effects in OA knee. This study compared the efficacy and safety of chondroitin sulphate with glucosamine and diacerein in Kellgren Lawrence grade II & III OA knee patients. Material and Methods: After approval from IHEC and after getting written informed consent, patients were randomized to group A – Tab Chondroitin sulphate (400mg) with Glucosamine (500 mg) combination thrice a day or group B - Cap Diacerein 50 mg, twice a day orally both after food. Out of 88 patients screened 75 of them entered the study. A total of 15 patients failed to complete the study. Remaining 60 patients completed the study with 30 patients in each group. They were assessed clinically using WOMAC index from baseline and followed at 3, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: Baseline characteristics in both the groups were matching without any significant difference. When compared to baseline at 24 weeks there was reduction in WOMAC from in 63.5±4.29 to 20.8±3.19 (67.24%) in group A and from 64.3±3.43 to 33.56±6.03 (47.81%) in group B. There was significant difference between the groups with group A significant over group B in WOMAC scores with p<0.001. Thus the effect of drug therapy on group A was greater than group B. Conclusion: The use of Chondroitin sulphate with Glucosamine combination caused improvement in WOMAC scores better than Diacerein in osteoarthritis knee.