Rapid Response

What's a Clinician to Think? What's a Clinician to Do?

Authors: Robert R. Johnson, MD, FACP, FACR

Abstract

Clinicians are often faced with the dilemma of how to treat osteoarthritis patients who are not completely satisfied with the conservative therapy outlined in the guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology and other organizations. Doctors and patients have hoped that glucosamine might be the answer for added pain relief, halting the progression of the disease and delaying or preventing the need for surgery.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Vlad SC, LaValley MP, McAlindon TE, et al. Glucosamine for pain in osteoarthritis: why do trial results differ? Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:2267–2277.
 
2. Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. NEMJ 2006;354:795–808.
 
3. Reginster JY. The efficacy of glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis: financial and nonfinancial conflict of interest. Arthritis and Rheum 2007;56(7):2105–2110.
 
4. Adebowale AO, Cox DS, Liang Z, et al. Analysis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate content in marketed products and the Caco-2 permeability of chondroitin sulfate raw materials. J Am Nutraceutical Assoc 2000;3:37–44.
 
5. Herrero-Beaumont G, et al. Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator. Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:555–567.
 
6. Towheed TE, et al. Glucosamine therapy for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;2:CD002946.
 
7. Richy F, Bruyere O, Ethgen O, et al. Structural and symptomatic efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 2003;163:1514–1522.
 
8. Sun BH, Wu CW, Kalunian KC. New developments in osteoarthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2007;33:135–48.