[New approaches to local antirheumatic therapy]

Local antirheumatic therapy is viewed as an important component in the total system of the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Drug-induced synovectomy, local anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and potential immunosuppressive therapy are analyzed. Special attention is paid to local therapy based on the use of dimethyl sulfoxide. The effects of local and general treatment are realized at least partially by means of the same mechanisms. There is possibility to improve the results of general therapy at the expense of goal-oriented local treatment without producing any influence on its tolerance. In fact, every patient with rheumatoid arthritis or other articular disease should be regarded as a potential candidate for local anti-inflammatory therapy.