Treatment with Beta-cyclodextrin-piroxicam inPatients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview

The objective of the study was to test the effectiveness and tolerance of a new non-steroidalantirheumatic drug (NSA), beta-cyclodextrin piroxicam (BCP), in the treatment of rheumatoidarthritis. An open pilot study extending over 80 days was made. The study comprised 50 patientswith active rheumatoid arthritis requiring continual NSA treatment. The patients took BCP, 20 mgper day. The authors evaluated the general condition of the patients, and the so-called signal jointwhich was the most active joint or group of small joints. The evaluation was made by means ofselected objective and semi-objective parameters. The investigated parameters were: the numberof joints tender to palpation, the number of swollen joints, the algofunctional questionnaire HAQ,assessment of daytime and nighttime pain by means of a visual analogue scale, the period of morningstiffness and restriction of articular function. Evaluation of different parameters was made after14, 30 and 80 days of treatment. In all investigated parameters after 80 days treatment a significantimprovement of values was recorded as compared with the initial values (p < 0,01). Improvement ormarked improvement was reported by 86% patients, deterioration only by 4%. Undesirable effectsof treatment were recorded in 10% and were mild. Treatment was discontinued in 6%. Beta-cyclo-dextrin piroxicam is an effective and well tolerated alternative treatment of pain in patients withrheumatoid arthritis.

Key words:
rheumatoid arthritis, therapy, non-steroidal antirheumaticdal drugs, beta-cyclodex-