The role of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a European viewpoint.
Despite the fact that there is no scope for an inflammatory process in a strict definition of osteoarthritis (OA), inflammation nevertheless seems to be of great relevance in understanding not only the occurrence of the disease but also its propensity and/or persistence. Longitudinal epidemiologic studies suggest that inflammation--defined by the presence of synovitis within the joint cavity--is a potent predisposing factor for cartilage breakdown. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have demonstrated their beneficial short term, rapid-acting effect. However, two questions remain: the choice of NSAIDs versus analysis as first line therapy for symptomatic treatment in OA, and the long-term structural effect of such therapy.
Dougados
M
M
René Descartes University, Cochin Hospital, Rheumatology B Department, 27 rue de Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014 Paris, France. maxime.dougados@cch.ap-hop-paris.fr
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009288:Naproxen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013585:Synovitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D000082:Acetaminophen; D009288:Naproxen; D007213:Indomethacin