Class-specific rheumatoid factors, DR antigens, and amyloidosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Class-specific rheumatoid factors (RFs) were measured by enzyme immunoassay in 59 patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by systemic amyloidosis (RA+A), 47 patients with rheumatoid arthritis without amyloid (RA), 106 patients with other rheumatic diseases (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome), and 55 blood donors. The patients with RA+A were characterised by a high prevalence of RF negativity; the IgM RF concentration was raised in only 18 of the 59 patients (31%, p less than 0.001 v RA), the IgG RF concentration in 20 of 59 (34%, p less than 0.

Comparison of diclofenac and indomethacin suppositories in rheumatoid arthritis.

The efficacy and tolerability of 100 mg suppositories of diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) and indomethacin were investigated in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty patients were included in a double-blind, cross-over study for two weeks - six days with diclofenac suppositories, following two days with placebo and six days with indomethacin. Diclofenac sodium and indomethacin were given in random order.