Intestinal Permeability to Different-Sized Polyethyleneglycols in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract
Intestinal permeability to polyethyleneglycols (PEG) of varying size in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was investigated. Permeability was determined by measuring the 6-hour urinary recovery of different-sized PEGs after oral intake of PEG 400, PEG 1000 or PEG 3000. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis excreted significantly less PEG 400 and PEG 1000 than healthy individuals; excretion of PEG 3000 was the same or even greater than in healthy individuals. Intestinal permeability may be is altered in rheumatoid arthritis.