Article Abstract:
Prednisolone may be effective in preventing joint destruction in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. One hundred six patients with early rheumatoid arthritis received either 7.5 milligram/day of prednisolone or a placebo for two years. The patients were also allowed to receive individually prescribed drugs other than corticosteroids. Researchers used hand x-rays of the patients to determine erosions and Larsen scores, which indicate joint destruction on a scale of 0 to 140. After two years, the average increase in Larsen scores was 0.72 in the prednisolone group and 5.37 in the placebo group. Erosions were found in 22% of the x-rayed hands in the prednisolone group and 45.6% of the x-rayed hands in the placebo group. Side effects included rash, change in defecation habits, general discomfort, hypertension, and weight gain.
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Article Abstract:
The drug neostigmine may be beneficial in treating colonic pseudo-obstruction and may shed light on its cause. Colonic pseudo-obstruction occurs when the colon enlarges even though there is no physical obstruction. If the colon enlarges too much, it can perforate. Most doctors believe the risk of perforation increases when the colon reaches a diameter of 9 to 12 centimeters. Perforation can be serious, but the risk of perforation is still small. Patients should be managed conservatively for at least 24 hours before neostigmine is given.
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Article Abstract:
The COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (Vioxx) has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen. In a study of 8,076 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, rofecoxib was as effective as naproxen but caused only half the number of gastrointestinal side effects.
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