Gold therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

I. A series of sixty typical cases of rheumatoid arthritis have been divided into three equal groups-(a) a control group which received injections of almond oil; (b) a group which was treated with small doses of gold, and (c) a group which was treated with large doses of gold. 2. The joint disease was rendered inactive in 5 per cent. of group (a), 30 per cent. of group (b), and 50 per cent. of group (c). 3. The joint swelling was diminished in i6 per cent. in group (a), 79 per cent. in group (b), and 8i per cent. in group (c). 4. The sedimentation rate was reduced to normal figures in I5 per cent. of group (a), 40 per cent. of group (b), and 74 per cent. of group (c). 5. A simple classification of the toxic manifestations of gold is given, and a method of avoiding the more serious suggested. We beg to acknowledge our indebtedness to Professor Sir Leonard Hill, and to Sir Frederick Menzies for according facilities for this work. Messrs. Scherings Ltd. have allowed us generous supplies of Solganol B.