Перспективы комбинированной хондропротективной терапии остеоартроза. Результаты открытого рандомизированного исследования препарата артра у больных гонартрозом

Objective. To assess efficacy and safety of combined chondroprotective ARTRA preparation ("Unipharm Inc" USA) in pts with gonarthrosis Material and methods. 90 pts with knee joint osteoarthritis (OA), 11-111 radiological stage according to Kellgren-Lawrence and prominent pain syndrome requiring regular treatment with NSAIDs were included. 45 pts received ARTRA and diclofenac sodium, 45 control pts were treated only with diclofenac sodium during 6 months. Clinical examination was performed before, after 30, 120 and 180 days of treatment. Efficacy was assessed according to conventional criteria of assessment drugs assigned for OA treatment. Results. ARTRA proved to be a new effective drug for OA treatment. It provided decrease of pain and stiffness in damaged joints so as significant improvement of functional state. Systematical ARTRA administration allows decreasing NSAID dose or completely withdrawing such drugs in many pts. ARTRA showed good tolerability and safety so as long aftereffect.