Abstract
We administered liposteroid to rheumatoid patients and evaluated its usefulness. The liposteroid is dexamethasone palmitate incorporated into small lipid particles (lipid microspheres) and was developed for the purpose of maximizing therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects. In animal experiments liposteroid has shown a specific distribution in reticuloendothelial system and inflamed tissues, and a stronger anti-inflammatory activities than watersoluble dexamethasone.
In a double blind trial involving 36 RA patients a single dose of 2.5 mg liposteroid showed significantly (p<0.05) stronger and longer effects than 3.3 mg water-soluble dexamethasone. The incidence of side effects observed included headache, pain at the site of injection and itching.
Plasma cortisol levels recovered to pretreatment range within a week after injection of both materials. Long term observation of the patients using liposteroid revealed no lowering of plasma cortisol levels.
Based on above, we conclude that liposteroid is a useful drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
