Azathioprine in early rheumatoid arthritis. Comparison with gold and chloroquine

Arthritis Rheum. 1977 Mar;20(2):685-92. doi: 10.1002/art.1780200208.

Abstract

This study compares the effect of azathioprine with those of gold and chloroquine in early (Class II) rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty-three similar patients with classic or definite RA of less than 5 years duration were randomly entered, 11 into each drug group. Assessment of standard clinical and laboratory measures at 12 and 24 weeks showed significant improvement in all three groups. In general, all three drugs were effective antirheumatic agents with low toxicity. However, because of serious potential toxicity, azathioprine could not be recommended over gold and chloroquine in early RA therapy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Chloroquine / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gold Sodium Thiomalate / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Gold Sodium Thiomalate
  • Chloroquine
  • Azathioprine