[Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic action and tolerance of diftalone and indomethacin in the long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

The therapeutic effectiveness and tolerability of diphthalone and indomethacine administered for long periods were compared in 10 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the active phase. Each patient was treated with one of the two drugs on a double blind basis. Diphthalone proved to be more active than indomethacine on morning stiffness and on hand grip strength. Diphthalone also produced fewer side effects. The differences indicated proved to be significant statistically.