Efficacy and safety of Prosulf-Forte in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Background : Glucosamine has long been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis because of its safety. Efficacy of each product may vary from their crystallinity and salt composition. Increase of blood glucose may occurred from high dose preparation.

Objective : To test the efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate 500 mg capsule (Prosulf-Forte, Aerocare) in mild to moderate degree of knee osteoarthritis.

Design : Double-blind cross- over design study.

Setting : Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Material and Methods : The trial recruited two groups of patients with knee osteoarthritis of mild to moderate degree. The sample size was 31 patients for each groups and twelve weeks for each limb, totally 24 weeks. Evaluations included WOMAC score and urine CTX type II. Results Symptoms of improvement were noted by WOMAC score more than urine CTX type II. Blood glucose did not changed significantly.

Conclusion : Prosulf-Forte is efficacious and safe for treatment of knee osteoarthritis with mild to moderate degree.