GOLD THERAPY IN ARTHRITIS; OBSERVATIONS ON 100 CASES TREATED WITH GOLD SODIUM THIOSULPHATE AND AUROCEIN

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Abstract
Relapses of arthritis are not uncommon during the 1st course of injns. but seldom occur after 2d course, which is given after an interval of 2 or 3 months. Toxic reactions, for which there is no known treatment, occur in 40-50% of the cases, of which 15% show severe reactions which may last for a year and even prove fatal. Symptoms such as generalized exfoliative dermatitis, severe gastrointestinal disturbances, jaundice, and even aplastic anemia may occur. The use of gold is purely empirical and its mode of action unknown. The authors use Abbott''s gold sodium thiosulphate intraven. with an initial dose of 5 mg.; the dose is increased each week so that 100 mg. are given from the 7th to 12th doses; 2 courses are given with a rest period of from 4-6 weeks between. Of 100 cases treated, the 50 with rheumatoid arthritis showed a 48% improvement, the 20 with osteoarthritis showed a 45% improvement, the 30 mixed cases showed a 26% improvement. The efficacy of the treatment is in inverse ratio to the duration of the disease. The cases in the older age groups were more benefited.

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