Clinical and economic aspects of chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis management: a brief review of recent evidence

Abstract

Introduction: Chondroitin sulfate was proposed as a more appropriate strategy for osteoarthritis long-term management than conventional treatment (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen). However, its efficacy has been widely discussed and its public financing by the Spanish National Health System has been questioned. The aim of this paper was review on the clinical and economic aspects of chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis treatment.
 Method: A bibliographic search of recent literature was carried out until March 9th, 2022. The databases used were MEDLINE and Scopus.
 Results: According to the set of clinical studies identified in the search, chondroitin sulfate was effective in reducing cartilage volume loss, its clinical effects were estimated by objective (magnetic resonance or specific biomarkers) and subjective (visual analog pain scale or Lequesne index) outcome measures. In the set of studies reviewed, chondroitin sulfate proved to be an acceptable therapeutic option in clinical terms. Regarding economic aspects, only one study was identified, according to which, the prescription of chondroitin sulfate implies a lower cost per patient compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
 Conclusion: From the clinical and economic points of view, the findings of this brief review justify the presence of chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis guidelines.