[Structum (chondroitin sulfate)--a new agent for the treatment of osteoarthrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To study efficiency and tolerance of Structum in gonarthrosis patients as well as duration of its effect after discontinuation.


METHODS
100 patients with femorotibial gonarthrosis aged 45 years and older entered an open randomised trial. They had knee joint arthrosis satisfying diagnostic criteria OA ACR at stage II-III according to Kellgren-Lawrence with pain syndrome. Walking pain intensity was > or = 30 mm by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Leken total functional index > or = 4 and < or = 11. Antiinflammatory drugs (AI) were regularly taken for 30 days for the 3 pretreatment months. 50 patients of the study group received Structum and ibuprofen (1200 mg/day) for 6 months. 50 patients of the control group received ibuprofen only. The two groups were followed up for 3 months. Clinical examination was made monthly.


RESULTS
There were significant differences between the groups by the Leken's index (p < 0.005), VAS, pain, daily AI drug requirement. Structum proved more effective. Tolerance was good. Side effects were observed only in two patients (diarrhea and nausea). In the control group, side effects made 15 patients to discontinue the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Structum is a new effective drug against gonarthrosis which reduces pain, improves joint function. It is well tolerated and allows to diminish the dose of AI drugs. The response to Structum persisted for 3 months after the treatment.
L I
LI
Alekseeva
L I
LI
Benevolenskaia
E L
EL
Nasonov
N V
NV
Chichasova
A N
AN
Kariakin
D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D007052:Ibuprofen
Struktum (khondroitinsul'fat(--novoe sredstvo dlia lecheniia osteoartroza.