[Diflunisal in the treatment of coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis. A comparative double-blind study with acetylsalicylic acid]

Abstract

A double-blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of diflunisal (Unisal), a new derivative of salicylic acid, and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) was conducted in the rheumatology clinics of the Cantonal Hospital Beau-Séjour, Geneva, and the Triemli City Hospital, Zurich. A total of 38 patients with established osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee were studied for 12 weeks. The daily dose of diflunisal was 500-750 mg and that of acetylsalicylic acid 2000-3000 mg. After 12 weeks diflunisal was judged superior to Aspirin by both patients and investigators. Among the most important clinical symptoms evaluated were pain and limitation of motion. Side effects, particularly gastro-intestinal symptoms, of sufficient severity to cause discontinuation of therapy were more frequent in the acetylsalicylic acid-treated patients than in the group receiving diflunisal.