Radiologic assessment of benoxaprofen therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Our study of 39 patients with rheumatoid arthritis suggests a trend for benoxaprofen therapy given over a prolonged period to retard the rheumatologic process when measured radiologically by both osseous defect and joint space narrowing rates. After a mean duration of 21 months, the progression of osseous defects (OD) and/or joint space narrowing (JSN) was decreased in 28 of 39 patients (72%) who qualified for this study. Fourteen patients (36%) had both OD and JSN rates decreased. An additional 8 patients had OD rate diminished alone and another 6 patients had JSN decreased alone. Clinical evaluation of benoxaprofen has previously revealed a low risk factor and an ability to improve clinical symptoms and signs. Because there is also a trend for this drug to retard or arrest radiologic progression, it becomes a promising agent for the long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.