Lipid-reducing effects of sulphate-sulphide mineral water in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background/Aim: The positive effect of thermal mineral waters on human health has been known for a long time. Many pathophysiological mechanisms of action of balneotherapy are not specified. Patients with gonarthrosis often have elevated values of serum lipids. This study aimed to examine the effect of drinking sulphate-sulphide thermo mineral water on the lipid status of patients with gonarthrosis. Methods: A prospective clinical study followed 60 patients, both sexes, mean age 65.02 ± 1.03, with gonarthrosis. All inpatient underwent physical treatment with topical application of sulphate-sulphide mineral water. Patients of group A (N = 30) had the use of this mineral water as an additional therapy by drinking, unlike patients of group B (N = 30) who drank plain water. The level of serum lipids of these patients was monitored at admission and 4 weeks after. The variance analysis test (ANOVA) with a level of statistical significance p < 0.001 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A significant reduction in the levels of all lipid fractions in the serum of patients with gonarthrosis was found 4 weeks after the completion of inpatient physical treatment in both study groups. This decrease was statistically significant in patients of group A (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Drinking sulphate-sulphide mineral water in patients with gonarthrosis shows a positive effect on the reduction of serum lipid levels in the short-term follow-up period.