04.13.06
Indication: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Source: NEJM, February 23, 2006;354:795-808.
Research: The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention (GAIT) study involved nearly 1600 OA patients, who were given a placebo or daily doses of 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and/or 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate or 200 mg of the common prescription pain medication celecoxib (Celebrex). On entering the study, a participant's level of pain was assessed as either mild or moderate-to-severe using standard pain assessment tools and scales, such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Of the 1583 study participants, 78% fell into the mild pain subgroup, while the other 22% percent were considered part of the moderate-to-severe pain subgroup. Level of pain was evaluated at weeks four, eight, 16, and 24 using the WOMAC scale and other tools. In addition to taking their daily study treatment, participants could take up to 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily for pain, except for the 24 hours before they were assessed by study staff.
Results: The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin significantly decreased knee pain in OA patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain. However, glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination failed to provide relief to those suffering from mild OA. Due to the positive results in the small subgroup of moderate-to-severe OA patients, more analysis is planned. The GAIT team will also continue its research with a smaller study to see whether glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can alter the progression of OA, such as delaying the narrowing of the joint spaces. About one-half of the participants in the larger GAIT study were eligible to enroll in this ancillary study. The results are expected in about a year.
Source: NEJM, February 23, 2006;354:795-808.
Research: The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention (GAIT) study involved nearly 1600 OA patients, who were given a placebo or daily doses of 1500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and/or 1200 mg of chondroitin sulfate or 200 mg of the common prescription pain medication celecoxib (Celebrex). On entering the study, a participant's level of pain was assessed as either mild or moderate-to-severe using standard pain assessment tools and scales, such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Of the 1583 study participants, 78% fell into the mild pain subgroup, while the other 22% percent were considered part of the moderate-to-severe pain subgroup. Level of pain was evaluated at weeks four, eight, 16, and 24 using the WOMAC scale and other tools. In addition to taking their daily study treatment, participants could take up to 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily for pain, except for the 24 hours before they were assessed by study staff.
Results: The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin significantly decreased knee pain in OA patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain. However, glucosamine and chondroitin alone or in combination failed to provide relief to those suffering from mild OA. Due to the positive results in the small subgroup of moderate-to-severe OA patients, more analysis is planned. The GAIT team will also continue its research with a smaller study to see whether glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can alter the progression of OA, such as delaying the narrowing of the joint spaces. About one-half of the participants in the larger GAIT study were eligible to enroll in this ancillary study. The results are expected in about a year.
