The Clinical Response of Rheumatic Fever and Acute Carditis to ACTH

Abstract

A NEW era in the study and treatment of rheumatic diseases began on April 13, 1949, when Hench and his co-workers1 announced their observations on the remarkably beneficial effects of the adrenocortical hormone, Cortisone (originally called Compound E), and of the pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) on rheumatoid arthritis. Six weeks later Hench and his associates2 reported that Cortisone also had a favorable influence on 3 patients suffering from acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic carditis. The opinion was expressed that ACTH would probably have similar effects to that of Cortisone in rheumatic fever.Since May 17, 1949, we have had the . . .