Double-blind clinical trial of protacine versus oxyphenbutazone in rheumatic disorders

A double-blind trial wa carried out in 30 in-patients, mainly with rheumatoid disorders, to compare the efficacy and tolerance of protacine with those of oxyphenbutazone. Patients were given oral doses either of 150 mg protacine or 200 mg oxyphenbutazone 3-times daily for 21 days. Clinical symptoms were assessed by semiquantitative scoring at 5-days' intervals. The same was done for side-effects. Protacine globally reduced the symptom scores by 55% and oxyphenbutazone by 34% (p < 0.001). Frequency and severity of side-effects were significantly less and less severe during protacine than during oxyphenbutazone treatment (p < 0.01). Physiological parameters did not vary during either treatment. Good efficacy, good tolerance and a convenient dose schedule suggest that protacine may well be suited also for long-term treatment.