SEVERE POLYNEURITIS FOLLOWING GOLD THERAPY FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A case of severe polyneuritis occurring in the course of therapy of rheumatoid arthritis with AuNa thio-malate (Myochrysine) is reported. The patient received a total of 900 mg. of Myochrysine or 450 mg. of Au in 2 months, with what were considered very satisfactory results. On the basis of severe generalized weakness, diminution of sensory perception, loss of stereognostic sense, abolishment of sense of position, peripheral abolishment of vibratory sensation, absence of deep tendon reflexes, with a slight elevation of the total protein of the spinal fluid and a grossly abnormal midzone Au curve, a diagnosis of multiple peripheral neuritis with unusual characteristics was made. Recovery was spontaneous and complete. The manner in which Au exerts its toxic effect is not understood. It is thought to be due to Au ion rather than its chemical combination. Complications of Au therapy involving the nervous system are relatively unusual, and their manifestations may be protean.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: