Short-Term Treatment of Painful Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Oral Enzymes

摘要: Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy and tolerability of an oral enzyme therapy with NSAID diclofenac in patients symptomatic osteoarthritis knee (gonarthritis). Methods: In a double-blind clinical trial, 73 painful gonarthritis were randomised to receive 3 weeks treatment preparation (Phlogenzym®) containing bromelain, trypsin rutin (n = 36), or 37). Efficacy was primarily evaluated using Lequesne index (measuring pain function affected knee). Other investigations included assessment symptoms visual analogue scale (VAS), global (by both one physician), various laboratory parameters. Patients at baseline, weekly intervals throughout 3-week period, 7 (i.e. 4 after discontinuing therapy). Results: The improved continuously groups: from 13.56 baseline 3.10 (end therapy) 2.05 (follow-up) group, 14.04 3.50 2.24, respectively, group. Statistical evaluation showed groups be equivalent; lower bound 95% confidence interval Mann-Whitney estimator above 0.44 (the limit for equivalence) all time points. Global drugs ‘very good’ ‘good’ majority patients. Conclusions: Short-term indicates that enzymes may considered effective safe alternative NSAIDs such as gonarthritis.