Efficacy and tolerability of oral enzyme therapy as compared to diclofenac in active osteoarthrosis of knee joint: an open randomized controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and tolerability of an oral enzyme preparation (Phlogenzym) with that of an NSAID (diclofenac) in the treatment of active osteoarthrosis.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study of seven weeks duration at a tertiary care centre wherein 50 patients aged 40-75 years, with activated osteoarthrosis of knee joint were randomized to receive phlogenzym tablets (2-3 tablets, bid) or diclofenac sodium 50 mg bid for three weeks.


RESULTS
At the end of therapy (three weeks) and at follow-up visit at seven weeks there was reduction in pain and joint tenderness and swelling in both groups, and slight improvement in the range of movement in the study group. The reduction in joint tenderness was greater (p < 0.05) in the study group receiving phlogenzym.


CONCLUSIONS
Phlogenzym is as efficacious and well tolerated as diclofenac sodium in the management of active osteoarthrosis over three weeks of treatment.
Tilwe
G H
GH
Department of Medicine, GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai.
Beria
S
S
Turakhia
N H
NH
Daftary
G V
GV
Schiess
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001963:Bromelains / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012431:Rutin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014357:Trypsin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007155:Immunologic Factors; C119937:Phlogenzym; D004008:Diclofenac; D012431:Rutin; D001963:Bromelains; D014357:Trypsin