Background Diacerein (Verboril) is a symptomatic slow-acting drug for the treatment of Hip and/or Knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Although Osteoarthritis of the fingers (OAF) is a very common form of OA and according to the epidemiological studies affects the 60% of the population, clinical studies concerning its treatment are very rare.

Objectives In order to determine if Diacerein has a beneficial effect on the clinical symptoms of OAF, we performed a prospective open multicenter study involving 30 doctors (rheumatologists or orthopaedics) in 5 Greek towns.

Methods 477 righthand female patients (MA = 57,4 ± 8,9 yrs), suffering from OAF according to ACR criteria, were enrolled in this study. All patients received 100 mg/day of Diacerein for 4 ms and if needed NSAIDs and/or simple analgesics. All patients were evaluated at inclusion and at the end of 4 ms: a) for the presence of inflammatory and/or mechanical pain, b) for the presence and duration of morning stiffness, c) with the functional index of Dreiser d) for the concomitant consumption of analgesics and/or NSAIDs. We have used the t-test and chi-test in our statistical analysis and a probability level of 0,05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results 225 patients have completed till now the 4 ms treatment and the analysis of their results showed a statistically significant improovement in clinical data, especially in Dreiser functional index (p < 0,005) and in the presence of inflammatory symptoms (p < 0,001). The concomitant consumption of NSAIDs and/or analgesics was significantly lower at the end of 4 ms (p < 0,05).

The overall assessment of therapy was good and very good for the 68% of patients and for the 72% of doctors. The safety profile of the drug was very good throughout the study period.

Conclusion These data suggest that Diacerein appears to be very useful in the treatment of Osteoarthritis of the fingers.

Reference

1. Dreiser RL, et al. Rev Rheum 1995;62:129–139S