International symposium on levamisole in rheumatoid arthritis. A review of short and longterm effects on articular manifestations.

Reports of 28 authors with a total of nearly 1,000 enrolled patients have been reviewed regarding changes in clinical manifestations of disease in rheumatoid arthritis during short term and long term administration of levamisole. Global clinical improvement was observed in 60% of patients after three months and in 75% of patients after six months of drug treatment. There was no significant difference in response whether the drug was given in a continuous daily or intermittent weekly fashion. The longest observation times extend to 3 1/2 years. An optimal effect is usually reached between six and 12 months of treatment, after which time no further improvement is observed. After cessation of drug administration, the rate of deterioration varies with the length of previous exposure.