[Immunostimulation in the treatment of chronic joint rheumatism (author's transl)]

Results of a Double Blind Study: In a randomized double blind study, 22 patients were treated with levamisole. The intention was to find out whether immunostimulation would have a favorable influence on rheumatic complaints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and whether an objectifiable improvement of the synovial reaction can be obtained. The course was monitored with an extensive laboratory diagnostic program in 13 patients treated with levamisole and 9 patients with placebo. The medicament did not cause a pseudo-LE syndrome. In the overall result, 84.6% of the patients were significantly improved compared to 33.3% of the placebo group. Gastric complaints were occasionally seen as side effects. In one patient, the treatment had to be interrupted several times because of recurrent leukopenia and was prematurely ended in the 21st week.