BALNEOTHERAPY FOR RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS AT THE DEAD-SEA

Thirty-six patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were treated for 12 days at the Ein Gedi Spa. The patients were allocated randomly to f our study groups. Group 1 (n = 9) was treated with daily baths in the Dead Sea, group 2 (n = 9) was treated with daily sulphur baths, group 3 (n = 10) was treated with a combination of daily Dead Sea bathing an d sulphur baths, and group 4 (n = 8) served as a control group. All pa tients were assessed by a rheumatologist who was blinded to the treatm ent modalities and group allocation. Clinical parameters assessed incl uded: duration of morning stiffness, 15 m walk time, grip strength, ac tivities of daily living, patient's assessment of disease severity, nu mber of active joints, and the Ritchie articular index. Statistically significant improvement lasting up to 3 months was observed only in th e three treatment groups.