Rush physicians research chondroitin sulfate

Over the counter diet supplement might prevent the worsening of osteoarthritis

Physician researchers at the Rush Center for Clinical Studies at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago will attempt to discover if Chondroitin Sulfate helps prevent the worsening of knee osteoarthritis and the pain associated with the disease.

Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative joint disease that affects over four percent of the population and almost all people over the age of 70.

Chondroitin Sulfate, currently sold in the U.S. as an over-the-counter dietary supplement, is considered by many a way to control the pain and progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. Chondroitin Sulfate, which occurs naturally in the body, is thought to draw fluid into the tissue, giving the cartilage resistance and elasticity. There are some indications that the supplement may slow down cartilage loss and improve the joint's mobility.

Rush is enrolling over 100 participants in the 24-month long clinical study, which will include eleven patient visits and four X-rays. The X-rays will allow the researchers to compare each patient's knees at months 0, 12, 18, and 24 of the study to see if Chondroitin Sulfate prevents worsening of the disease.

Of the six global site locations, Rush Center for Clinical Studies in Chicago, is the only location in North America that the pharmaceutical IBSA Institut Biochimique SA, a Switzerland based company, choose to contract with to complete this study.

February 2001

Internal