[Structum (chondroitin sulfate)--a new agent for the treatment of osteoarthrosis]

To study efficiency and tolerance of Structum in gonarthrosis patients as well as duration of its effect after discontinuation.

100 patients with femorotibial gonarthrosis aged 45 years and older entered an open randomised trial. They had knee joint arthrosis satisfying diagnostic criteria OA ACR at stage II-III according to Kellgren-Lawrence with pain syndrome. Walking pain intensity was > or = 30 mm by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Leken total functional index > or = 4 and < or = 11. Antiinflammatory drugs (AI) were regularly taken for 30 days for the 3 pretreatment months. 50 patients of the study group received Structum and ibuprofen (1200 mg/day) for 6 months. 50 patients of the control group received ibuprofen only. The two groups were followed up for 3 months. Clinical examination was made monthly.

There were significant differences between the groups by the Leken's index (p < 0.005), VAS, pain, daily AI drug requirement. Structum proved more effective. Tolerance was good. Side effects were observed only in two patients (diarrhea and nausea). In the control group, side effects made 15 patients to discontinue the treatment.

Structum is a new effective drug against gonarthrosis which reduces pain, improves joint function. It is well tolerated and allows to diminish the dose of AI drugs. The response to Structum persisted for 3 months after the treatment.