[An evaluation of the efficacy of treating rheumatoid arthritis with preparations for local use]

Assessment was made of the efficacy of local therapy of rheumatoid arthritis patients with dimexide during a double blind method of investigation. The articular index, duration of constraint in the morning and the strength of the hand were taken as the leading criteria for objective assessment of the drug efficacy. Applications of a 50% solution of dimethylsulforoxide give a statistically significant favourable effect as compared to the conventional physiotherapeutic methods of treatment: ultrasound and phonophoresis with analgin. Addition of analgin to a 50% solution of dimethylsulforoxide intensifies its antiphlogistic and analgesic properties.