Sulphasalazine in Rheumatoid Arthritis

[摘要] Recent open studies of sulphasalazine have suggested that it may have "second line" antirheumatic activity. Previous experience with sulphasalazine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease has also suggested that it may be less toxic than the commonly used second line agents. In addition, the complex pharmacology of sulphasalazine may allow manipulation of a number of variables to improve the efficacy:toxicity ratio and may also shed some more light on the rheumatoid disease process. I, therefore, decided to investigate further the use of this drug in rheumatoid arthritis. My specific aims were: (1) to investigate by means of a placebo controlled trial the efficacy of sulphasalazine; (2) to document its toxicity and relate toxicity and efficacy to a number of variables; (3) to investigate its single dose pharmacokinetics; (4) to define its optimal clinical use; (5) to examine for an effect on free radical scavengers as a potential mode of action; (6) to identify its active therapeutic moiety.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Medicine, Immunology, Pharmacology