PRESENT STATUS OF GOLD THERAPY FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

With progress in medicine it is appropriate that critical appraisal of current means of treatment be made. Such is the position of members of the medical profession today in the field of rheumatic diseases, especially in the light of recent knowledge of effects of steroid hormones in patients with arthritis. Appraisal of gold therapy is particularly appropriate because this year finishes two decades of trial of this form of treatment in Europe and one decade of study of this treatment in the United States. To determine what this experience has taught, these questions should be considered: Is gold therapy of sufficient value that it be included in treatment programs? What are the limitations of this form of treatment? What toxicity is encountered? If gold compounds are used, what is the best method of administration? Can improvements be expected in the future? To answer these questions