Diacerein plus glucosamine hydrochloride improves the safety and efficacy and inhibit inflammatory factors in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to elucidate the safety and efficacy of diacerein (DIA) plus glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN·HCl) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and their effect on inflammatory factors (IFs).

Methods: Retrospectively, 116 KOA patients admitted between August 2018 and August 2021 were selected. Among them, 55 cases received DIA monotherapy (control group, Con) and 61 cases received DIA + GlcN·HCl (observation group, Obs). The efficacy, safety, scores of Lequesne Index, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), as well as the levels of IFs of the two groups were observed and compared. Further, Cox regression was used to perform an in-depth analysis of factors influencing the occurrence of complications in patients with KOA.

Results: The analyses revealed a higher overall response rate and a lower adverse event rate in the Obs group compared with the Con group, with statistical significance. Decreased scores of Lequesne Index and VAS and levels of IFs were determined in the Obs after treatment, which were all significantly lower compared with those of the Con. Cox regression analysis identified that TNF-α, IL-1β, hs-CRP, and treatment mode affected the occurrence of complications in KOA patients.

Conclusions: DIA + GlcN·HCl can significantly inhibit the inflammation level in KOA, with definite curative effects and a favorable safety profile.