J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2009 Mar;50(3):412-417. 10.3341/jkos.2009.50.3.412.

The Effect of the Concurrent Therapy of Glucosamine and Aspirin in Uveitis

• Keum JE
• Song WK
• Son JH
• Lee SC

• KMID: 2111252
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2009.50.3.412

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report the anti-inflammatory effect and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) response after oral glucosamine (Glucosamine Sulfate 750(R), General Nutrition Companies, Inc.) and aspirin (Aspirin protect(R), Bayer) therapy in patients with uveitis.
METHODS
Twenty-seven patients (43 eyes) with uveitis, not easily managed with conventional therapy, were treated with oral glucosamine 750 mg and aspirin 100 mg daily, and underwent BCVA testing and slit-lamp examination of anterior chamber inflammation. Changes in the dose of previously-used oral steroids and immunosuppressants were recorded at baseline, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and once every month thereafter.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 15.0+/-3.69 weeks and inflammation started to improve within 4.6 weeks. The change in visual acuity was not statistically significant, but grade of inflammation decreased by as much as 1.02+/-1.28, significantly (p<0.01) after treatment. In 12 patients (19 eyes, 44.2%) the dosage of systemic steroids and immunosuppressants could be Reduced. 7 patients (10 eyes, 23.3%) experienced aggravation of uveitis and the dosage of glucosamine and aspirin was increased.
CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent oral administration of glucosamine and aspirin could not completely inhibit the recurrence of inflammation nor control it, but consistent use of these drugs may help to reduce inflammation without serious side effects. A longer prospective control study with larger sample size is required to further evaluation of the efficacy of the medication.

Keyword

Aspirin; Glucosamine; Inflammation; Uveitis

MeSH Terms

Administration, Oral
Anterior Chamber
Aspirin
Eye
Follow-Up Studies
Glucosamine
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Inflammation
Recurrence
Sample Size
Steroids
Uveitis
Visual Acuity
Aspirin
Glucosamine
Immunosuppressive Agents
Steroids

Figure

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  Figure 1. The relationship between baseline visual acuity and final visual acuity after glucosamine & aspirin treatment in uveitis. * MAR=minimal angle of resolution; † VA=visual acuity.

Reference

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