CPH-82 (Reumacon) versus auranofin (Ridaura): a 36-week study of their respective onset of action rates in RA.

The onset of action rate of CPH-82 (Reumacon), was compared with that of auranofin (AUR; Ridaura) in a 36-week randomised, double-blind, multicentre study of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As compared with respective baseline values, the CPH-82 group manifested significant improvement in grip strength, Ritchie's articular index (RAI), pain ratings, and HAQ (health assessment questionnaire) scores after 8, 12, 24, and 36 weeks of treatment, with the exception of the 24-week HAQ score. The AUR group manifested corresponding improvement in RAI after 8, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. Significant differences in changes from baseline values in favour of the CPH-82 group were found for grip strength at 12 and 24 weeks, RAI score at 8 weeks, VAS score at 8 and 12 weeks, and HAQ score at 8 weeks. The findings suggest CPH-82 to manifest a more rapid onset of action than AUR. The two drugs were similar in tolerance and safety.

[Pathologic urine findings related to medication]. / Patologiske urinfunn relatert til medikamentbruk.

We examined urine specimens from 144 consecutive patients attending a rheumatological department. Transient abnormal findings were frequent, but most urine samples normalized spontaneously. We found no association with use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but there was an association between pathological urine findings and the combined use of such drugs and systemic steroids.

Atlanto-axial subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis. A study of 104 hospital patients.

Arthritic affection of the upper cervical spine is relatively common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Atlanto-axial subluxations are also reported to occur frequently, but it seems that neurological symptoms due to the subluxations seldom occur. We have studied 104 consecutive in-patients. In a group of 50 non-arthritics we have measured the distance from dens to the anterior arch of the atlas, and from dens to the foramen magnum line. By means of percentile-estimate we have defined values at risk for having pathological values for the measured distances. In 104 rheumatoid arthritis patients we found that 45% of the patients had values at risk, but only one of the patients had medullary neurological signs. A planned follow-up study will show if oncoming neurological symptoms due to subluxations will occur in the risk-group or in the group now defined as having normal values.

Calcinosis in dermatomyositis treated with probenecid.

Childhood dermatomyositis is frequently complicated by deposition of calcium salts in the soft tissues. This calcinosis represents a major problem, as severe disability may result. Various drugs have been tried to dissolve the calcinosis, but the results of these trials are disappointing. In this article we present a case report of a 9-year-old girl treated with probenecid. This treatment led to a dramatic decrease in subcutaneous and intermuscular calcinosis. The authors call for controlled studies of probenecid treatment in calcinosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis in a Norwegian community (Jondal). A study based on the local doctor's file.

This study of rheumatoid arthritis has been made in Jondal, Norway, on 803 persons between the ages of 16 and 75 years. Patients suspected of suffering from joint disease other than traumatic lesions were selected from the general practitioner's file, and further information on these patients was obtained from the local hospital and from personal interviews. It was found that 0.5% of the men and 1.2% of the women suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Six persons (0.7%) fulfilled the ARA criteria for classical and definite rheumatoid arthritis, one fulfilled four criteria (probable RA). However, only 0.4% of the investigated population had more severe disease.