Structum (chondroitinsulfate) - A new drug against osteoarthrosis

Aim. To study efficiency and tolerance of structum in gonarthrosis patients as well as duration of its effect after discontinuation. Materials and methods. 100 patients with femotibial gonarthrosis aged 45 ye ars and older entered an open randomised trial. They had knee joint arthros is satisfying diagnostic criteria OA ACR at stage II-III according to Kellg ren-Lawrence with pain syndrome. Walking pain intensity was greater than or equal to 30 mm by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Leken total functional index greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 11. Antiinflamma tory drugs (AI) were regularly taken for 30 days for the 3 pretreatment mon ths. 50 patients of the study group received structum and ibuprofen (1200 m g/day) for 6 months. 50 patients of the control group received ibuprofen on ly. The two groups were followed up for 3 months. Clinical examination was made monthly. Results. There were significant differences between the groups by the Leken 's index (p < 0.005), VAS, pain, daily AI drug requirement. Structum proved more effective. Tolerance was good. Side effects were observed only in two patients (diarrhea and nausea). In the control group, side effects made 15 patients to discontinue the treatment. Conclusion. Structum is a new effective drug against gonarthrosis which red uces pain, improves joint function. It is well tolerated and allows to dimi nish the dose of AI drugs. The response to structum persisted for 3 months after the treatment.