Different consequences of the treatment of osteoarthritis in gastrointestinal comorbidity with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Background
Patients with OA require attention of specialists due to the high integrative risk of acute conditions caused by the use of drugs that successfully treat chronic pain, but lead to gastrointestinal complications .

Objectives
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment of primary osteoarthritis on joint and digestive functions, as well as the trophological status of patients with osteoarthritis under conditions of comorbidity with a pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

Material and methods
The study included 87 patients with primary osteoarthritis in comorbidity with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in gastrointestinal diseases without exacerbation. It investigated the symptoms of osteoarthritis, fecal α-elastase levels, the CO program, the GSRS questionnaire, and the parameters of the trophological status. The studied parameters were measured before and after six weeks after the start of treatment.

Results
The use of NSAIDs contributes to regression of primary osteoarthritis symptoms according to the indices of the VAS, WOMAC, Leken, and Harris Hip tests (p < 0.05), but it has a negative effect on the levels of fecal α-elastase and the CO program score (p < 0.05). It also leads to a deterioration of gastrointestinal symptoms according to the GSRS questionnaire (p < 0.05). The trophological status of patients with primary osteoarthritis with concomitant exocrine pancreatic insufficiency worsens during anti-inflammatory joint therapy (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Our research indicated a multidirectional effect of NSAIDs in patients with a comorbidity of primary osteoarthritis with exocrine insufficiency of the pancreas.