慢性関節リウマチに対する経口金剤 (AF) の効果―注射金製剤 (GST) から経口金剤 (AF) への切り換え法についての検討―

抄録

In 54 RA patients whose disease was controlled relatively well by GST (Gold sodium thiomalate) administration, GST was changed immediately to AF (Auranofin) (6mg) in 32 (Group A), and gradually in 22 (Group B) by administering AF first at 3mg for 4 weeks and at 6mg thereafter with 8 week concomitant administration of GST. The clinical findings, laboratory data, immunological findings, serum gold level, and side effects in these two groups were examined for 24 weeks.
Clinical conditions were maintained at a similar level or were improved in both groups, but the number of swollen joints and the joint score was significantly reduced in Group B as compared with Group A after 24 weeks. No differences were observed in the results of laboratory findings or immunological findings between the two groups. There was also no difference in the frequency of side effects, but the administration was more often discontinued due to side effects in Group A.
The serum gold level showed no significant changes from the beginning of the administration to 24 weeks after in either group, and it was not affected by the substitution of GST with AF. No significant correlation was observed between the serum gold concentra-tions and changes in the values of various laboratory findings and side effects.
Maintenance therapy of RA with gold preparations was effective when GST was changed either immediately or gradually to AF.