The effects of auranofin and parenteral gold in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: an X-ray analysis.

X-rays from patients in comparative studies of auranofin and parenteral gold were obtained before and during treatment, and analysed using a modification of the method of Larsen. One hundred and nineteen auranofin-treated and 113 parenteral gold-treated patients contributed data, which were analysed for changes from 0-6 months, 0-12 months and from 0-6 and 12 months. Progression of erosive processes and of joint grade occurred with both treatments, but the proportion of patients with progression in the first six months was greater with auranofin treatment. However, there was evidence that both treatments produced slowing of the erosive process during the second six months of treatment.