Double-blind study of ketoprofen and indomethacin in juvenile chronic arthritis

Ketoprofen (Orudis; Maybaker), whose use has not previously been reported in choldren, was compared with indomethacin in a double-blind crossover trial in 30 children with juvenile chronic arthritis. Both drugs proved to be safe and effective analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents although indomethacin emerged as the preferred drug. Perhaps higher doses of ketoprofen would be safe and more effective. Side-effects were few and mild. The problems of patient compliance and the assessment of pain in children are discussed.