Hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

One hundred eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis received hydroxychloroquine for six to 24 months and were studied retrospectively to examine long-term efficacy and predictors of a favorable response to the drug. Response was classified in terms of reduction of active joint count and morning stiffness. Thirteen patients (12 percent) showed a complete remission. Fifteen patients (14 percent) had a 75 percent or greater response. Forty patients (37 percent) had a 30 to 75 percent response. Thirty-two (30 percent) had no response. Toxicity occurred in eight patients (7 percent) before clinical efficacy could be assessed. Seven of the 68 with response had a flare of disease after initial improvement. Of multiple clinical and laboratory parameters tested, only a stronger baseline grip strength was found to be statistically significant (p less than 0.001) in predicting a favorable response. Thus, hydroxychloroquine is an effective drug in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.