Abstract
Introduction: Osteoarthritis poses a significant socio-economic problem. Its management is complex and consists of nonpharmacological and pharmacological measures with the objectives of decreasing pain, improving function of the affected joint, slowing down disease progression and improving the overall quality of life.
There is a lot of pharmaceuticals from the NSAIDs and SYSADOA categories available. These are included in the scientific guidelines.
Collagen derivates are classified as food supplements. Evidence of food supplement effects is growing and they are among the candidates to be included in the SYSADOA category.
The effects of enzymatic hydrolysed collagen (EHC) were compared to glucosamine sulphate (GS) in the usual doses in a recently published study. The effect of EHC was even better in the comparison with GS in some parameters.
Methodology: The persistent effects of collagen supplements in certain patients was evaluated in an open observation. Patients who used EHC, were approached to continue the study.
They were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months from the start of the study. Assessment of persisting effects by the patient in comparison with the status before the treatment was evaluated.
Results: 73% of subjects demonstrated an improvement at 3 months after ceasing EHC usage. This trend persisted 12 months from the baseline in 50% of the observed subjects. 27% of the observed subjects, who did not use any other preparations, felt slight improvement, in the comparison with the baseline, even 24 months after ceasing usage.