Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine combination in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis: A long-term observational study in Russia.

Background: Oral treatment of glucosamine (GA) combined with chondroitin sulfate (CS) was reportedly effective for pain relief and function improvement in osteoarthritis patients with moderate to severe knee pain in clinical trials. While the effectiveness of GA and CS on both clinical and radiological findings has been demonstrated, only a few high-quality trials exist. Therefore, controversy regarding their effectiveness in real-world clinical practice remains.

Aim: To investigate the impact of GA + CS on clinical outcomes of patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis in routine clinical practice.

Methods: A multicenter prospective observational cohort study included 1102 patients of both genders with knee or hip osteoarthritis (Kellgren & Lawrence grades I-III) in 51 clinical centers in the Russian Federation from November 20, 2017, to March 20, 2020, who had started to receive oral capsules of glucosamine hydrochloride 500 mg and CS 400 mg according to the approved patient information leaflet starting from 3 capsules daily for 3 wk, followed by a reduced dosage of 2 capsules daily before study inclusion (minimal recommended treatment duration is 3-6 mo). Changes in subscale scores [Pain, Symptoms, Function, and Quality of Life (QOL)] of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)/Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) questionnaires during the observational period (up to 54-64 wk with a total of 4 visits). Patients' treatment satisfaction, data on the combined oral use of glucosamine hydrochloride and CS, concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.

Results: A total of 1102 patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis were included in the study. The mean patient age was 60.4 years, most patients were women (87.8%), and their average body mass index was 29.49 kg/m². All subscale scores (Pain, Symptoms, Function, and QOL) of the KOOS and HOOS demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, the mean score increases from baseline to the end of Week 64 were 22.87, 20.78, 16.60, and 24.87 on Pain, Symptoms, Physical Function (KOOS-PS), and QOL subscales (P < 0.001 for all), respectively. In patients with hip osteoarthritis, the mean score increases were 22.81, 19.93, 18.77, and 22.71 on Pain, Symptoms, Physical Function (HOOS-PS), and QOL subscales (P < 0.001 for all), respectively. The number of patients using any NSAIDs decreased from 43.1% to 13.5% (P < 0.001) at the end of the observation period. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 2.8% of the patients and mainly included gastrointestinal disorders [25 AEs in 24 (2.2%) patients]. Most patients (78.1%) were satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion: Long-term oral GA + CS was associated with decreased pain, reduced concomitant NSAID therapy, improved joint function and QOL in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis in routine clinical practice.