[Interferon-gamma in the therapy of chronic polyarthritis]

The paper gives a survey of the studies with interferon-gamma and the actual status of the clinical trials with this substance concerning rheumatoid arthritis (RA). About 60% of the patients with RA respond to the therapy. In the initial therapy which covers a time of 2 to 6 weeks 50 micrograms (in case of side effects 20 or 10 micrograms) should be given 3 to 7 times per week by the subcutaneous route. When the disease is improved, the maintenance therapy starts. According to the patient's status, the dosage frequency and the dose have to be reduced to sustain the effect.