Psoriatic arthritis treated with oral zinc sulphate.

Twenty-four patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis participated in a double blind cross-over trial of peroral zinc sulphate versus placebo (Trial I). Eleven patients continued an open trial of peroral zinc sulphate for an additional 24 weeks (Trial II). Remission was assessed by the disappearance of symptoms (overall condition, morning stiffness, functional capacity of the joints and joint pains), and signs (mobility and swelling of the joints). Reduction of joint pains as well as increase of mobility and decrease of swelling of several joints were observed. the clinical signs of reduced inflammation were accompanied biochemically by reduction of serum immunoglobulins and an increase of serum albumin. The need for analgesics was diminished. Severe side-effects and changes in the psoriatic skin involvement were not seen. Oral zinc sulphate seems to be valuable in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.