INTENSIVE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN INTRACTABLE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Twelve patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis were treatedwith antilymphocyte globulin (ALG), prednisolone and a cytotoxicagent, usually azathioprine, and were followed for 1 year. Therewas a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the mean scorefor early-morning stiffness, grip strength and the severityof nodules and vasculitis at 6 weeks and 3 months when comparedto the initial visit. However, in most patients, this benefitwas not sustained despite continued cytotoxic and steroid therapy.A rise in the haemoglobin and fall in ESR was maintained throughoutthe study period.