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South African multicentre trial with voltaren in osteo-arthritis of the knee


PH Joubert
AR Kushlick
WG McNeill
ESC Sheard
FO Muller

Abstract

Patients suffering from osteo-arthritis of the knee were admitted to a multicentre, double-blind trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of two dose levels of Voltaren (diclophenac sodium), 25 mg t.d.s and 50 mg t.d.s., and acetylsalicylic acid 1 000 mg t.d.s. Eighty-three patients from 4 centres were evaluated. Three racial groups were studied: White, Asian, and Coloured. Both preparations were effective in alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The two dose levels of diclophenac sodium had slightly superior effects over acetylsalicylic acid. Preference statements by both investigators and patients favoured diclophenac sodium. In this short-term study both dose regimens of diclophenac sodium were better tolerated. The incidence of gastro-intestinal side-effects was lower with diclophenac sodium. No major adverse reactions were recorded. Results of the blood morphology and uric acid study carried out in one centre showed that none of the treatments produced any abnormalities.

S. Afr. Med. J. 48, 1973 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574