A promising novel therapy for Achilles peritendinitis: double-blind comparison of glycosaminoglycan polysulfate and high-dose indomethacin.
In this double-blind trial in 60 recreational athletes suffering from Achilles peritendinitis, we compared the effect of local injections of glycosaminoglycan polysulfate (GAGPS) with oral indomethacin (IM) administered over a 2-week period. Orthotic devices were prescribed in 66% of the cases to control biomechanical errors. The results after 1-year follow-up showed that GAGPS had a good overall therapeutic effect on two-thirds of the patients compared to one-third of the IM treated. In the patients with symptoms lasting longer than 3 months, IM had an effect in only 12% while GAGPS was beneficial in 59%. Twenty-five cases of non-responders and relapses underwent a crossover treatment. Those who received IM in this second period did not benefit from this treatment while those who received GAGPS showed a moderate to good effect in 8/17 (47%) after a 2-week follow-up. A different mode of action is suggested as an explanation of the encouraging results.
Sundqvist
H
H
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sabbatberg's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Forsskåhl
B
B
Kvist
M
M
D000125:Achilles Tendon; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy*
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; C013786:A73025; D007213:Indomethacin