Glucosamine Sulfate Use and Delay of Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis. A 3-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Source: Pavelka K, Gatterova J, Olejarova M, et al. (Arch Intern Med. 162:2113-2123, 2002.)

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Conventional symptomatic treatments for osteoarthritis do not favorably affect disease progression. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether long-term (3-year) treatment with glucosamine sulfate can modify the progression of joint structure and symptom changes in knee osteoarthritis, as previously suggested.

METHODS

Two hundred two patients with knee osteoarthritis (using American College of Rheumatology criteria) were randomized to receive oral glucosamine sulfate, 1,500 mg once a day, or placebo. Changes in radiographic minimum joint space width were measured in the medial compartment of the tibiofemoral joint, and symptoms were assessed using the algo-functional indexes of Lequesne and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities).

RESULTS

Osteoarthritis was of mild to moderate severity at enrollment, with average joint space widths of slightly less than 4 mm and a Lequesne index score of less than 9 points. Progressive joint space narrowing with placebo use was -0.19 mm (95% confidence interval, -0.29 to -0.29 mm) after 3 years. Conversely, there was no average change with glucosamine sulfate use (0.04 mm; 95% confidence interval, -0.06 to 0.14 mm), with a significant difference between groups (p = 0.001). Fewer patients treated with glucosamine sulfate experienced predefined severe narrowings (>0.5 mm): 5 % vs 14 % (p = 0.05). Symptoms improved modestly with placebo use but as much as 20 % to 25 % with glucosamine sulfate use, with significant final differences on the Lequesne index and the WOMAC total index and pain, function, and stiffness subscales. Safety was good and without differences between groups.

CONCLUSION

Long-term treatment with glucosamine sulfate retarded the progression of knee osteoarthritis, possibly determining disease modification.
 

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Articles: Topical Cream for Osteoarthritis  |  Glucosamine  |  Transdermal Delivery Technology  |  Glucosamine On Painful Knee Osteoarthritis  |  Long-Term Effects of Glucosamine Sulphate on Osteoarthritis  |  Effect of Glucosamine On Regular Knee Pain  |  Management of Osteoarthritis  |  Glucosamine Effects in Humans  |  Effects of Glucosamine Derivatives on Equine Articular Cartilage Degradation  |  Effect of Glucosamine Supplementation on Fasting and Non-Fasting Plasma Glucose  |  Glucosamine Sulfate Use and Delay of Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis  |  Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

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