[The effect of drugs on hand function in rheumatoid arthritis]

In 30 inpatients with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according ACR criteria we evaluated efficacy of non steroid-antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (CS) on pain, morning stiffness and grip strength. NSAIDs and combination of NSAIDs and CS showed statistically significant analgesic effect (P < 0.005). Combination of NSAIDs and CS statistically significant shortened morning stiffness comparing NSAIDs or CS as single drug. Grip strength didn't rise in any investigated group. This could be explained with long disease duration (11.69 years). Morning stiffness is symptom not related only to extracellular fluid cumulation in affected areas but also to other progressive and longlasting disease signs.