Efficacy of Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Currently chondroitin sulfate (CS) is the most studied drug from the group of «chondroprotectors». The article shows the role of CS in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA): mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and safety in patients with OA with comorbidity. Evidence for the effectiveness and safety of the use of CS has been analyzed. The place of this drug in Russian and international clinical guidelines for the management of patients with OA is discussed.In domestic practice, the parenteral form of CS is often used in patients with OA. The parenteral form of CS for intramuscular and intra-articular administration (Chondroguard®) has a number of advantages, including the rapid onset of the effect. This enables reducing the dose in a short time or completely abandon the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which is extremely important for patients with OA with comorbidity. Chondroguard®can be recommended for initial use in exacerbations of chronic joint and back pain in OA, including in patients with relative and absolute contraindications for NSAID therapy.