Sulfasalazine in the treatment of spondylarthropathy

Abstract

Objective. To assess the efficacy and tolerability of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in the treatment of spondyl‐arthropathy. Methods. We conducted a 6‐month randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter study of patients with spondylarthropathy whose disease had remained active despite treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Patients were treated with SSZ (3 gm/day) or placebo. The primary efficacy variables were the physician's and patient's overall assessments, pain, and morning stiffness. End points were analyzed in the intent‐to‐treat and completer patient populations; the time course of effect was analyzed in the completer patient population. Results. Of the 351 patients e..