Changes in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis during the period 1979 to 1996

Objective. To evaluate the use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DM ARDs), cytotoxic agents, and corticosteroid therapy in patients diagnosed w ith rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) in two periods, 1979 to 1987, and 1988 to 19 96. Materials and methods. Review of the records of 788 patients with RA diagno sed at the Department of Rheumatology. the University Hospital of Tromso. Results. We found a significant increase in the proportion of patients who started with auranofin, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, and corticosteroids in 1988-1996 compared to 1979-1987. The initiation of use of gold salts, anti malarials, and D-penicillamine declined significantly from the first to the second period. Conclusion. Patients diagnosed with RA between 1988-1996 were treated more actively than patients diagnosed in the period 1979-1987. During 1988 to 19 96 auranofin. sulphasalazine, methotrexate, and corticosteroids replaced go ld salts, antimalarials, and D-penicillamine.