RADIOSYNOVIORTHESIS IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF INJECTIONTHERAPY WITH RE-186 AND ERBIUM-169

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficiency of ra diation synovectomy with rhenium-186 or erbium-169 in rheumatoid arthr itis. in the control groups articulosynovitis was treated by injection of triamcinolonhexacetonid. Follow-up time was 3 years. Patients of t he study had to fulfill the following criteria: rheumatoid arthritis ( ARA criteria 1988), patient age above 40 years, standardized medical t reatment with methotrexate, (started at least 6 month prior to injecti on therapy, given for the entiry study time), prednisolon less than or equal to 7,5 mg/d and diclofenac less than or equal to 150 mg/d, and no previous surgery or injection therapy on this/these joint/s. Should er, elbow, wrist, and ankle joints were treated in group 1 by injectio n of rhenium 186 combined with triamcinolonhexacetonid, in group 2 by injection of triamcinolonhexacetonid alone. Each treatment group inclu ded 50 joints. Digital joints underwent injection of erbium 169 combin ed with triamcinolonhexacetonid (group 3 = 131 joints) or triamcinolon hexacetonid (group 4 = 86) alone. During the follow up period, the joi nts were assessed for pain, synovial swelling, joint motion, and stage of radiological destruction (Larsen-Dale-Eek). After 3 years follow-u p, 228 joints met the above named criteria: group 1 = 41 joints, group 2 = 21 joints, group 3 = 131 joints, group 4 = 53 joints.