Comparisons of sulfasalazine to gold and placebo in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies comparing sulfasalazine to gold or placebo are few in number. Two controlled trials have been conducted comparing sulfasalazine and placebo, and 2 uncontrolled trials have compared sulfasalazine and gold sodium thiomalate. A controlled trial conducted by the Cooperative Systematic Studies of Rheumatic Diseases compared enteric coated sulfasalazine, gold, and placebo. These studies suggest that sulfasalazine is superior to placebo but is associated with significant side effects, particularly gastrointestinal. These studies also suggest that sulfasalazine is similar in efficacy to gold, but with lesser and milder toxicity. Additional comparison studies are indicated.