To study chondroitin sulphate (CS) efficacy, tolerance and response duration in elderly patients with osteoarthrosis (OA) with consideration of OA duration and stage.
A total of 97 patients aged 65-85 years with stage II-IV OA by Kellgren-Lawrence received CS treatment. The treatment efficacy was assessed by functional Lecken's index, pain intensity at walking and rest, general functional condition, need in nonsteroid anti-inflammatory (NSAI) drugs. Standardization was achieved with visual analogue scale (VAS).
Positive effects (pain relief, better functional parameters, lower intake of NSAI drugs) were more pronounced and stable in patients with OA stage 1 and 2. In OA of stage 3 and 4, a beneficial effect of a 6-month CS course was unstable. Side effects were at the level of mean statistics.
CS (structum) is recommended for treatment of OA stage 1-4 by Kellgren-Lawrence. Duration of the treatment depends on severity of x-ray symptoms of the disease.