[Selenium concentration in erythrocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and laboratory chemistry infection markers during administration of selenium].
METHODS
Seventy patients with definitive rheumatoid arthritis were matched to built 2 groups, which were double-blind and randomized allocated to supplementation with sodium-selenit 200 micrograms/d or placebo for 3 months, each. Both groups were given fish oil fatty acids (30 mg/kg body weight), DMARDS were continued throughout the study, while variations in steroids or NSAD were admitted.


RESULTS
Selenium concentrations in erythrocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were 85.1 +/- 26 micrograms/l, and significantly lower than found in an average German population (123 +/- 23 micrograms/l). During the observation period of 3 months normal selenium concentrations were not restored, despite supplementation higher than RDA. At the end of the experimental period the selenium supplemented group showed less tender or swollen joints, and morning stiffness. Selen-supplemented patients needed less cortisone and NSAD than controls. In accordance with clinical improvement we found a decrease of laboratory indicators of inflammation (C-reactive protein, alpha 2-globuline, prostaglandin E2).


CONCLUSIONS
No side effects of supplementation with selenium were noted, which can be considered as adjuvant therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Heinle
K
K
Rheumaeinheit der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Staatliche Orthopädische Klinik, München.
Adam
A
A
Gradl
M
M
Wiseman
M
M
Adam
O
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood*; D018038:Sodium Selenite / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000975:Antioxidants; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D012643:Selenium; D018038:Sodium Selenite