[Use of recombinant human gamma interferon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

In a clinical phase II trial the efficacy and side effects of recombinant human interferon gamma in 13 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are reported. 2 patients (15.3%) showed a marked improvement of rest- and motion pains and of their general motility after a 6 and 8 month treatment. Only a temporary improvement within 2-3 months was observed in 4 patients (30.7%). In 2 cases a reduction of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and in 4 cases a reduction of the alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and of the number of thrombocytes was documented parallel to the clinical improvement. 3 patients developed new antinuclear antibodies (ANA) or showed an increased titer of ANA. Fever was the most common side effect followed by lymphopenia and increased liver values. All side effects were reversible after dosage reduction. Our results confirm the relatively good short term efficacy of human recombinant interferon gamma in RA. In contrast, the clinical long term benefit remains doubtful.