[DMSO in patients with active gonarthrosis. A double-blind placebo controlled phase III study].

BACKGROUND

For the patient, the most important aspect of gonarthrosis is pain and the associated impairment of movement.--

METHOD

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 112 patients (56 in each of the two groups test substance and placebo) the efficacy and tolerability of DMSO gel 25% applied over a period of three weeks were investigated in comparison with placebo. In addition to an assessment by the doctor of pain under loading while going about daily activities, rest pain, pain on palpation and of loss of mobility, the patient also kept a pain diary.--

RESULTS

In comparison with the gel base used as placebo, percutaneous treatment with DMSO proved to have a clinically relevant analgesic effect on the intensity of loading pain during everyday activities (p = 0.019). A positive effect of DMSO was also seen for pain intensity at rest (p = 0.015) and pressure pain (p = 0.029). The pain diary also reflected these observations. No serious adverse events or changes in laboratory values were observed.