Diclofenac in rheumatoid disease

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Rheumatoid disease management often involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• A new phenyl acetic-acid derivative, diclofenac, was developed for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical activity and side effects of diclofenac.
• To compare diclofenac with aspirin in patients with rheumatoid disease.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, crossover study involving 24 patients with rheumatoid disease.
• Patients received diclofenac 25 mg four times daily (q.i.d.) or aspirin 750 mg q.i.d. for four weeks each.

Main Results:

• Both drugs demonstrated similar overall benefits.
• Diclofenac showed improvements in morning stiffness and a lower incidence of dyspepsia compared to aspirin.
• Aspirin led to a more significant reduction in the sedimentation rate.
• One patient on diclofenac experienced elevated liver enzymes; another had elevated lactate dehydrogenase.

Conclusions:

• Diclofenac is an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatoid disease.
• Diclofenac presents a favorable side effect profile regarding gastrointestinal issues compared to aspirin.
• Further monitoring for liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase is warranted.