title: Local glycosaminoglycan polysulphate injection therapy in osteoarthritis of the hand. A placebo-controlled clinical study.
abstract: In this placebo-controlled double-blind trial in 30 patients suffering from disabling osteoarthritis of the hand, the long-term effect of periarticular injections of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate (GAGPS) on symptoms, hand function and life quality was investigated. The overall effect of the half-year follow-up was clinically good in 46% of the GAGPS-treated cases, compared with 14% of the controls. Significant differences in grip- and pinch strength were also found between the treatment groups. Significant differences were still seen at the one-year follow-up, as 13 patients (87%) in the GAGPS group reported improvement in their most restricted activity, compared with 6 (43%) of the controls. Nine periarticular injections of GAGPS over a period of 13 weeks gave a clinically good and long-lasting effect, with improved life quality for most of the patients.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; C013786:A73025