[Amyloidosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Of 467 patients followed-up for 15 yrs, rheumatoid arthritis was complicated by amyloidosis in 47 (10%). The relationship of amyloidosis development with a high or constantly moderate activity and expression of rheumatoid arthritis and its severity was brought to light. The results of biopsies of the mucosa, kidneys and liver, autopsy and clinical findings were analyzed and correlated. An increase in the frequency of amyloidosis development was noted in patients treated with glucocorticoids whereas in patients receiving cytostatics there was not such an increase.