[The comparative effectiveness of using basic preparations in the combined therapy of rheumatoid arthritis].

Comparison of the time-course of changes in the clinico-laboratory, x-ray and immunological findings in RA patients under the influence of the treatment with azathioprine (50 patients) sulfasalazine (42 patients) and their combination (48 patients) has demonstrated that the best effect (64.6%) may be provided by the use of combined therapy. Azathioprine and sulfasalazine should be administered in combination to patients with seropositive RA, systemic disease manifestations and a high laboratory activity as well as to patients with hormonal dependence.

[Incidence and various risk factors for gout in the Georgian SSR].

The results of simultaneous epidemiological surveys of the adult population (7000 persons) in the city of Tbilisi and workers at 7 enterprises of the machine-building and mining industries (9189) have shown that 0.29% of the population, mainly men aged over 40 with hereditary predisposition, obesity, carbohydrate metabolic derangement, consuming food rich in purine bases, national flavorings and spices, suffer from gout. A high prevalence of gout among workers of the mining industry and early age at the onset of disease suggest probable association of gout with some industrial factors (manganese, tungsten, molybdenum, bismuth).