Azathioprine in early rheumatoid arthritis. Comparison with gold and chloroquine.

This study compares the effect of azathioprine with those of gold and chloroquine in early (Class II) rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty-three similar patients with classic or definite RA of less than 5 years duration were randomly entered, 11 into each drug group. Assessment of standard clinical and laboratory measures at 12 and 24 weeks showed significant improvement in all three groups. In general, all three drugs were effective antirheumatic agents with low toxicity. However, because of serious potential toxicity, azathioprine could not be recommended over gold and chloroquine in early RA therapy.