Long-term follow-up of technetium articular index in rheumatoid arthritis patients during oral chrysotherapy: evidence of paradoxical behaviour.
The Technetium Articular Index (TcAI) is regarded as a parameter of local inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We studied TcAI behaviour during 1-year chrysotherapy in a group of fifteen RA patients. In non-responders TcAI showed a gradual decrease up to the 6th month and a return to baseline values within the second semester of the follow-up; conversely, in response patients TcAI remained unchanged during the entire period of the study, thus showing a paradoxical behaviour probably depending on the recovery of normal physical ability and articular activity.
Mathieu
A
A
Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Pala
R
R
Satta
L
L
Piga
M
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001310:Auranofin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000378:metabolism*; D013667:Technetium / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D001310:Auranofin; D013667:Technetium