The treament of patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee with cristalline glucosamine sulfate (CGS; dona) under real life conditions was documented for 6 months in a multicenter, prospective, non-controlled, noninterventional trial. In addition to efficacy evaluated with Lequesne's index, changes in use of analgesics and the incidence of related adverse events were to be assessed during the intake CGS. Furthermore, quality of life was to be documented using a patient-diary. About 80% of the patients were treated with 1,500 mg p.o. (min. 750, max. 3,000 mg) CGS per day. Data of 698 patients, mean age 58 years (58% female), could be evaluated.
The mean Lequesne-Index decreased from the beginning of the study to the end from 7.2 (moderate) to 4.2 (mild). The sub-scores assessing pain, mobility, and daily work changed accordingly. The fraction of patients with complaints associated with the use of analgesics changed from 12% at the beginning of the study to 3% at the end, the amount of analgesics being taken decreased to one third of that taken at the beginning. According to the global assessment of the physicians 80% of patients felt better or much better with regard to their knee complaints at the end of the study. The patients' own assessment was even better. Quality of life increased considerably. Only 1.6% of all patients reported adverse events but none was severe.
In the study it could be demonstrated once more that treatment with CGS is well tolerated and leads to an improvement in complaints related to osteoarthritis accompanied by an increase in quality of life. Furthermore the use of analgesics could be reduced and patients reported a progressive improvement of symptoms over the observation period. CGS can be considered an effective and well tolerated medication.