[Therapy of psoriatic osteoarthropathy with EHDP]

After describing the problems involved in the therapy of psoriatic osteoarthropathy, we discuss the specific accumulation of EHDP at the site of the disease. Because of its pharmacological properties, EHDP may have a regulatory effect on the pathological changes in psoriatic osteoarthropathy. In an open experiment using 20 patients with psoriatic osteoarthropathy, we evaluated the influence of EHDP on the extent and seriousness of bone and joint disease. We carefully studied the case history, laboratory tests, and rheumatological status; in some cases, bone scintigrams were also carried out. The patients received an oral dosage of about 20 mg/kg body weight the first 2 months and about 5 mg/kg from month 3-6. Two-thirds of the patients (n = 12) indicated a decrease in joint and bone pain, and there was also detectable improvement in the bone scintigrams. Only one patient noticed a side effect from the therapy. He complained of severe itching.