INTENSIVE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN INTRACTABLE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

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Abstract
Twelve patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis were treated with antilymphocyte globulin (ALG), prednisolone and a cytotoxic agent, usually azathioprine, and were followed for 1 year. There was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the mean score for early-morning stiffness, grip strength and the severity of nodules and vasculitis at 6 weeks and 3 months when compared to the initial visit. However, in most patients, this benefit was not sustained despite continued cytotoxic and steroid therapy. A rise in the haemoglobin and fall in ESR was maintained throughout the study period.