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Analysis of the influence of pharmacotherapy on the quality of life of seniors with osteoarthritis

Aims

This study aimed to assess the influence of pharmacotherapy on health-related quality of life of elderly with ostheoarthritis.

Methods

Longitudinal study involving 91 older adults from both genders (Age: 70.36 ± 5.57 years) from EELO project with self-reported knee or hip ostheoartritis, confirmed by radiographic analysis. Data regarding pharmacotherapy was assessed by a structured questionnaire and the quality of life was analyzed by SF-36 questionnaire at the initial moment and two years thereafter. All domains from quality of life were grouped in physical and mental components for further data analysis.

Results

A statistically significant decline in both physical and mental components of quality of life was observed (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05). However, it was observed a slighted decline in physical components in group treated with chondroitin/glucosamine when compared to other groups, according to Kruskal–Wallis test (p = 0.007). On the other hand, it was not observed any influence of pharmacological treatment on mental components of health-related quality of life (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Treatment with condroitin/glucosamin contributes to a lower decline in physical component while it had no influence on mental component of health-related quality of life in older adults with ostheoartritis.

Osteoarthritis; Elderly; Functional status; Functional disability; Quality of life


Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia Av Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio, 2466 - Cj 93., 01402-000 São Paulo - SP, Tel./Fax: 55 11 3289 7165 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: sbre@terra.com.br