FEATURED SEARCH: oa knee
Chondroitin sulfphate significantly reduces early cartilage loss and bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritic knees starting after 6 months of treatment, according to the first study to analyze these symptoms using quantitative MRI rather than X-rays to assess the damage. Previous results have been contradictory, observe the researchers from the University of Montreal and other Quebec institutions. The randomized trial tested 800 mg of chondroitin daily against placebo in 69 patients with signs of synovitis. Interestingly, 8 patients who took NSAIDs as well as chondroitin showed significantly less synovial thickness and no joint swelling.
RESULT: Chondroitin sulphate reduces both cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis patients starting as early as 6 months after initiation of therapy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study using MRI
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases | Mar 1, 2011 (FREE FULL TEXT)
The 662-patient multicenter GAIT study last year reported "beneficial but not significant trends" for glucosamine(Drug information on glucosamine) and chondroitin compared to placebo or celecoxib(Drug information on celecoxib) for knee osteoarthritis. But as they used only x-rays to assess knee damage, say the Quebec authors, the results demonstrated the need for a closer look.
RESULT: Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases | Aug 1, 2010 (Free abstract. Full text $30)
A community-based study from Australia has shown that bone marrow lesions (reduced by chondroitin in the Quebec study) fluctuate in the healthy population even in the absence of radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis, and are correlated with knee pain.
RESULT: Natural history and clinical significance of MRI-detected bone marrow lesions at the knee: a prospective study in community dwelling older adults
Arthritis Research & Therapy | Dec 29, 2010 (FREE FULL TEXT)
However, the evidence linking synovitis and bone marrow loss to knee pain is still weak, according to this systematic review. (As the clinical studies all find glucosamine and chondroitin to be easily tolerated, patients with incipient knee trouble may be willing to take them nonetheless.)
RESULT: Do knee abnormalities visualised on MRI explain knee pain in knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases | Jan 1, 2011 (Free abstract. Full text $30)
Note this recent review of medication use for patients whose osteoarthritis pain has progressed beyond mild or moderate.
RESULT: Issues in pharmacological management of osteoarthritis
Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine | Jan 30, 2011 (FREE FULL TEXT)
