Publication:

Comparison of efficacy of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and a fixed dose combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Background The study aimed to compare the efficacy of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and a fixed dose combination (FDC) of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods This was an open-label prospective comparative cohort study conducted from November 2023 to April 2024. Subjects were recruited consecutively from the orthopaedics outpatient department of GCMCH, Chidambaram, and assigned to one of three treatment groups based on the treating physician's prescription. Study tools including a patient data collection form and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires were used to measure outcomes at baseline and at monthly intervals over 4 months.

Results After 4 months, the fixed dose combination group showed a statistically significant reduction in WOMAC pain score compared to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate monotherapy groups (p=0.009). No significant differences were observed among the groups for stiffness (p=0.234) or physical function (p=0.439). The fixed dose combination consistently produced the greatest numerical improvement across all WOMAC domains.

Conclusions The fixed dose combination of glucosamine 750 mg and chondroitin sulfate 600 mg is slightly more effective than either agent used alone, demonstrating greater relief of pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.