[Which anti-inflammatory agents should be used in rheumatology?]

The principles governing the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatology are reviewed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, either systemic or local, have a transient effect. On the other hand, treatments with basic medications such as gold salts of D-penicillamine induce prolonged beneficial action. They are, however, useful chiefly in rheumatoid arthritis but not in ankylosing spondylitis or variants, nor in gout or osteoarthrosis. The side effects and contraindications are described and discussed.