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Gold therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Summary
Intramuscular gold salt injections effectively treated active rheumatoid arthritis in 67.5% of patients. However, 35% discontinued treatment due to side effects like dermatitis and kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Gold salts have been used as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intramuscular gold salt injections in active rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with active RA received intramuscular gold salt injections.
- Treatment response and adverse events were monitored.
Main Results:
- A significant clinical response was observed in 67.5% of patients.
- Treatment discontinuation due to side effects occurred in 35% of participants.
- Dermatitis and proteinuria (indicating renal damage) were the most frequent complications.
Conclusions:
- Intramuscular gold salts demonstrate significant efficacy in treating active RA.
- Careful monitoring for side effects, particularly skin and renal toxicity, is crucial during gold salt therapy.