Combined Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Gold and Chlorøquine: I Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect

Abstract

Summary and ConclusionsA total of 248 hospitalized rheumatoid arthritis patients were treated for 3—6 months with chloroquine and gold. The results achieved were compared with those obtained with chloroquine alone (240 cases). Improvement was assessed by Steinbrocker's therapeutic criteria.The following results were achieved: A complete remission or major improvement followed in 36 per cent of the chloroquine and in 43 per cent of the chloroquine-gold group.A complete remission or major improvement was achieved in the early phase of the disease (stages I—II) in 49 per cent of the chloroquine and in 66 per cent of the chloroquine-gold group.In the group of 239 patients given gold alone, which in many respects differed essentially from the preceding groups, complete remission or major improvement ensued in 31 per cent of the group and in 48 per cent of the patients in the early phase of the disease.It was concluded that combined therapy with chloroquine and gold may be of significance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term, controlled studies, including roentgenological control are necessary, however, before a final assessment of this method of treatment can be made.