Comparison of the time to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of gouty arthritis with Nimesulide and sodium Diclofenac

Objective:

To compare the time to presentation of the analgetic and anti-inflammatory effects of granulated and tablet Nimesulide and sodium Diclofenac since the start of therapy for gouty arthritis (GA).

Methods:

90 males with gout were randomized into 3 equal groups. The patients were of age over 18 years, had acute arthritis for less than 3 weeks, affection of 4 and more joints. For 7 days patients of group 1 received Nimesulide (200 mg/day), those of group 2-Nimesulide(200 mg/day), group 3 - Sodium Diclofenac (150 mg/day). Swelling, articular, pain indices were estimated daily for 7 days.

Results:

Patients of group 1 (Nimesulide) experienced pain relief on min 20; patients of Group 2 (Nimesulide) experienced pain attenuation within the first hour. Pain (at rest and movement) and the indices declined faster in group 1 and 2 compared to group 3. Arthritis was arrested in 24 (80%) patients of group 1, 11 (36%) of group 2 and 4 (13%) of group 3.

Conclusions:

Efficacy of Nimesulide for arrest of an acute gout attack exceeds that of sodium diclofenac.