Outcome of parenteral gold therapy in RA patients: a comparison between two periods using life-table analysis.

Tolerance and outcome of parenteral gold therapy were compared using life-table analysis and ARA remission criteria between 151 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated in 1983 and in 210 patients treated in 1985. The total risk of termination of therapy was significantly higher in patients treated in 1983 than those treated in 1985. The most common causes were mucocutaneous reactions (41 and 25% in 1983 and 1985, respectively), unsatisfactory effect (15 and 25%) and practical problems (14 and 26%). The outcome regarding all ARA remission criteria except for fatigue (not systematically registered) was significantly more favourable in patients treated in 1985 than in those treated in 1983.