Efficacy and safety of chondroitin sulfate therapy in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis

Abstract

To evaluate symptom-modifying effects of a two-month parenteral therapy with chondroitin sulfate («Mucosat») in patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA) in various combinations of adjuvant therapy. There were 70 patients with primary and/or post-traumatic unilateral/bilateral knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade I-II). Pain syndrome severity was assessed as ≥ 50 mm (100-mm VAS), total Leken's index - ≥ 5 points. The main group comprised 40 patients who received Mucosat for 60 days. NSAIDs were additionally prescribed in 9 (22.5%) of these patients. The control group included 30 patients with intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid. All patients underwent clinical and functional examination (rating scales VAS, Leken's total index, WOMAC index, EQ-5D health questionnaire), laboratory diagnosis (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α), X-ray examination, assessment of adverse events at 5 visits. Administration of chondroitin sulfate is associated with reduced local pain syndrome and functional normalization of musculoskeletal system. Prolonged pain-free period with high safety profile due to reduced need for NSAIDs is an advantage of Mucosat therapy. Thus, this drug may be recommended for initial therapy. A combination of chondroitin sulfate with intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid may be perspective for optimization of therapy and secondary prevention of exacerbations of OA. Further research is required.