GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN POLYSULFURIC ACID (GAGPS) IN OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

We studied the efficacy and tolerability of glycosaminoglycan polysulf uric acid (GAGPS) in 80 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Patients received two series of five intra-articular injections, at 1 -week intervals, of 25 mg (0.5 ml) GAGPS into the knee in a double-bli nd, parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. There was an immed iate decrease in pain after the injections of 43% with GAGPS and 33% w ith placebo (P = 0.047) (Jezek pain index). Pain relief of GAGPS vs pl acebo was not different at other intervals (10, 14, 22, 26 weeks after start of treatment). At 6 weeks the Lequesne index decreased 20% afte r GAGPS and 9% after placebo (P = 0.17). At 10 weeks the Lequesne inde x decreased 24% after GAGPS and 13% after placebo (P = 0.20). The decr ease in Lequesne index at 14 weeks was 31% after GAGPS and 15% after p lacebo (P = 0.06). The other measured parameters tended to be more fav orably influenced by GAGPS than placebo. GAGPS was well tolerated, wit h associated mild adverse reactions in 8% of cases. GAGPS may have a r ole as a symptomatic slow acting drug for OA. Further study appears ap propriate.