Gold compounds in rheumatic diseases - 2.

Abstract

Though many basic questions on the mechanism of action, dosage schedules, and long-term efficacy remain to be answered, gold therapy still plays a major role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Continuous rather than intermittent, treatment with intramuscularly administered gold compounds is now recommended, though treatment terminations due to side-effects or lack of efficacy are relatively high in the long term. The advent of orally administered gold preparations may herald a new approach to chrysotherapy of rheumatic conditions. However, the toxicity of gold compounds remains high and can be reduced only by the strictest monitoring schedules. Serial blood tests should be performed reg..