Related Experiment Videos
Auranofin therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Auranofin, an oral gold compound, shows effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis, similar to injectable gold treatments. It offers comparable clinical benefits with potentially reduced renal toxicity, despite increased gastrointestinal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gold compounds are established treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Parenteral (injectable) gold administration was the traditional method.
- Auranofin represents a novel orally absorbable gold compound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and toxicity profile of auranofin in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- To compare auranofin's immunologic effects with parenteral gold (GST).
- To assess auranofin's potential disease-altering capabilities in RA.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials of auranofin over six years.
- In vitro studies examining immunologic effects.
- Assessment of clinical effectiveness and toxicity (gastrointestinal and renal).
- Evaluation of disease modification using serial radiographs.
Main Results:
- Auranofin demonstrates clinical effectiveness comparable to parenteral gold in RA.
- Auranofin exhibits distinct in vitro immunologic effects compared to GST.
- Gastrointestinal toxicity is more common with auranofin.
- Renal toxicity is significantly less frequent with auranofin than with parenteral gold.
- Preliminary evidence suggests auranofin may alter disease progression, similar to parenteral gold.
Conclusions:
- Auranofin is a viable oral alternative for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
- It offers comparable efficacy to parenteral gold with a potentially improved safety profile regarding renal toxicity.
- Further investigation into its disease-modifying potential is warranted.