11.01.09
Indication: Synovitis in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Source: 2009 World Congress of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI).
Research: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) alone or in combination with glucosamine sulfate resulted in quicker decreases in synovitis, compared with treatment with acetaminophen, in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. This retrospective study compared the impact of 3 treatments, each administered daily, on patients with OA of the knee. A total of 115 patients received CS, CS combined with glucosamine sulfate or acetaminophen (ACET). Researchers used ultrasound to measure synovitis in the suprapatellar recess, with measures of 4 mm or more signifying the presence of synovitis. Knee pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale, additional acetaminophen usage, and the presence of meniscal extrusion and Baker’s cyst.
Results: Researchers observed an improvement in synovitis patients during the course of treatment, with a mean synovitis of 3.2 mm in the CS arm and 2.9 mm in the combination arm. Patients treated with acetaminophen who had larger recesses of 6 mm or more did not reach this physiological barrier. Those treated with chondroitin sulfate alone or in combination with glucosamine sulfate reached this physiological barrier and maintained it over the course of 6 months. Synovitis scores and pain relief scores followed a similar pattern. Specifically, a positive correlation between synovitis and knee pain was observed. There was a faster decline in knee pain with CS vs. ACET (P=.000) and in the combination groups vs. ACET (P=.000).