The Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Long- and Short-Term Continuous Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of long-term and short-term continuous NSAIDs in patients with knee osteoarthritis with insufficient efficacy “on demand” NSAIDs and SYSADOA.Study design. 12-week, prospective, comparative, randomized, single-center study.Materials and Methods. 180 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis aged 40 to 85 years with insufficient efficacy of “on demand” NSAIDs and SYSADOA were examined. Anti-inflammatory drugs were recommended for everyone: 56 people took Naproxen (31.11%), 63 — Etoricoxib (35%), 61 — Ketoprofen (33.89%). Patients were randomized into two groups: 1st group — with 8-week continuous intake of NSAIDs, 2nd group — with a 2-week continuous course of NSAIDs.Results. There was a positive dynamics of pain syndrome according to VAS and decrease in the level of the WOMAC index in both groups after 2 weeks of therapy. The pain level (VAS) and WOMAC indices in 1st group achieved after 8 weeks significantly differed from the ones after 2 weeks of therapy (VAS dynamics —10.93±2.43 mm, t = 42.64; p<0.001). In both groups we noted gradual significant increase in the average pain level according to VAS and WOMAC indices after NSAIDs cancellation. However, there was better control of pain in 1st group with long-term NSAID than in 2nd one. Safety profile of drug therapy was similar in both groups.Conclusion. The long-term 8-week use of NSAIDs in patients with knee osteoarthritis with insufficient efficacy “on demand” NSAIDs and SYSADOA provides better dynamics of the pain syndrome than with 2-week therapy. After treatment is canceled longer prior NSAID therapy contributes to better control of the pain syndrome. Continuous use of NSAIDs demonstrated good tolerance and safety, did not require dose reduction and/or discontinuation of therapy. Thus, anti-inflammatory therapy of osteoarthritis in this group of patients may be prescribed for a longer period with continuous use of NSAIDs