Dragani L, Giamberardino M A, D'Aurelio A, Formica L M, Colozzi A, Tamburro P
Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti.
Riv Eur Sci Med Farmacol. 1990 Aug-Oct;12(4-5):283-95.
The efficacy of treatment with a heparin-glucuronilglucosaminoglycane association for external use was tested, in a double blind design, on clinical symptomatology and consumption of analgesic drugs (FANS) in patients affected with painful osteoarthritis of the knee. In the course of a 3-week treatment, the following parameters were evaluated: a) concerning the symptoms, intensity of spontaneous pain and of pain induced by both passive mobilization of the joint and walking; b) concerning the analgesic treatment, reduction of FANS consumption (expressed as percentage of basal dose) and of intensity of side effects. In the FANS + heparin-glucoronilglucosaminoglycane-treated group, the following were found with respect to the control group: a) higher reduction of pain intensity, statistically significant as far as pain on walking is concerned and higher increase in passive mobility of the joint; b) notable reduction of FANS consumption and intensity of side effects. The possible therapeutic mechanisms are discussed on the basis of both the characteristics of the employed drugs and the pathophysiology of painful osteoarthritis of the knee.
