CAN WORSENING OF EROSIVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HANDS BE AVOIDED - A CASE-REPORT

A patient with typical erosive osteoarthritis of the hands was treated with galactosaminoglucuronoglycan sulfate 1200 mg/day for 18 months a nd was evaluated for pain, joint motion, and roentgenographic evidence of disease. At the 18-month follow-up, we observed a significant clin ical amelioration and reduction of analgesic requirements. There was n o evidence of further erosion after 20 months, and some reparative cha nges were seen in previously noted erosions. We conclude that worsenin g of erosive osteoarthritis of the hands may be avoidable.