EFFECTS OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN ON THE THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE TO ETORICOXIB AND PIROXICAM IN OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage loss, inflammation, and chronic pain, significantly affecting quality of life. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain a key component of symptom management, yet comparative studies on their anti-inflammatory efficacy in the Indian population are limited.

Objective: To compare the short-term anti-inflammatory effects of two treatment groups in patients with OA by measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels over a 15-day period.

Methods: An open-label, longitudinal study was conducted at Rama Medical College, Kanpur, involving 284 OA patients randomized into two equal groups (Group A and Group B). Patients were assessed for CRP levels at baseline, 7 days, and 15 days. Baseline characteristics including age, gender, and BMI were also recorded to assess group comparability.

Results: CRP levels declined in both groups over 15 days. Group A showed a decrease from 4.86 ± 1.37 to 3.12 ± 1.34, and Group B from 4.87 ± 1.35 to 3.31 ± 1.26. However, the differences in CRP levels between the groups at all time points were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable, minimizing confounding.

Conclusion: Both treatment regimens demonstrated similar short-term efficacy in reducing inflammation, as reflected by CRP levels. Further long-term studies incorporating clinical outcome measures are warranted to confirm these findings and assess functional improvement.