Three studies included in the 2015 systematic review provided data on adverse events when comparing glucosamine plus chondroitin vs placebo, and found no statistically significant difference.8
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) from Roman-Blas et al1 evaluated chondroitin and glucosamine vs placebo in patients with more severe OA. The study was supported by Tedec-Meiji Farma (Madrid, Spain) maker of the combination of chondroitin plus glucosamine used in the study.
STUDY SUMMARY
Chondroitin + glucosamine was not better than placebo for pain
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 9 rheumatology referral centers and one orthopedic center in Spain. The trial evaluated the efficacy of chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg plus glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg (CS/GS) compared with placebo in 164 patients with Grade 2 or 3 knee OA and moderate to severe knee pain. OA grade was ascertained using the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, corresponding to osteophytes and either possible (Grade 2) or definite (Grade 3) joint space narrowing. Level of knee pain was defined by a self-reported global pain score of 40-80 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS).
No significant difference was noted in group characteristics, and the average age in the CS/GS group was 67 years vs 65 years in the placebo group. Exclusion criteria included body mass index of ≥35 kg/m2, concurrent arthritic conditions, and any coexisting chronic disease that would prevent successful completion of the trial.1
The primary end point was mean reduction in global pain score on a 0- to 100-mm VAS at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included mean reduction in total and subscale scores in pain and function on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index (0–100-mm VAS for each) and the use of rescue medication.
Continue to: Baseline global pain scores were...
