GALACTOSAMINOGLYCURONGLYCAN SULFATE IN EROSIVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HANDS - EARLY DIAGNOSIS, EARLY TREATMENT

This study examined the effect of an oral chondroprotective drug, gala ctosaminoglycuronglycan sulfate (GAGs), on the evolution of erosive os teoarthritis of the hands (EOA). Twenty-four patients affected with EO A of the hands were evaluated. The patients had painful, frank arthrit is of DIP and PIP joints; X-rays reduced joint space; X-rays central j oint erosions; positive joint scintiscan, in absence of other inflamma tory and erosive arthropathies, Twelve patients were treated with a ch ondroprotective drug, GAGs 800 mg/die; twelve patients were the contro l group. The results at two years documented that the GAGs treatment i nfluenced certainly joint pain and doubtfully bone scintiscan in EOA.