Study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the combined use of glucosamine sulfate ("Artrakam") and chondroitin sulfate ("Artradol") in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
Аim. Assessment the efficacy and safety of combined use of drugs «Artradol» (chondroitin sulfate) and «Artrakam» (glucosamine sulfate) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Material and methods. We examined 30 patients with a diagnosis of OA of knee joints and severe pain, mean age of (58,7±5,1) years; mean duration of disease was (5,9±2,9) years. Patients were administered preparations of chondroitin sulfate («Artradol») and intramuscular glucosamine sulfate («Artrakam») alternating every other day for 2 months. Efficacy of therapy was determined after 1 and 2 months of treatment for dynamics of indices: the pain intensity in the joint (VAS), the circumference of the joint, the WOMAC index, the need for NSAIDs, the effectiveness of the therapy according to the patient and the doctor. Results. After 2 months of therapy with preparations of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate there was a significant (p<0,05) reduction of pain during movement, tenderness of joints on palpation, circumference of knee joint, reduction of the WOMAC index, the time of passing the distance of 15 meters, need to NSAIDs, relief of local inflammation in the joints. Efficacy of therapy was assessed by patients and doctors as good and satisfactory. Serious side effects have been reported. Conclusion. Combination therapy drugs «Artradol» and «Artrakam» is effective in the treatment of knee OA.