Abstract
Objective: To determine if the local application of x rays to inflamed joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the signs and symptoms of inflammation.
Methods: In a randomised, controlled, double blind study, roentgen irradiation was administered in a total dose of 20 Gy during 2 weeks to single joints in six patients with RA who were receiving constant and stable pharmacological treatment with DMARDs and NSAIDs. Single inflamed joints on the contralateral side of the body were used as controls and received sham irradiation. Swelling and tenderness was assessed by blinded investigators before and until 3 months after the irradiation; general disease activity and pain scales were included in the assessment.
Results: No change in the scores for tenderness, swelling, pain, or disease activity was seen. The trial was stopped for ethical reasons.
Conclusion: Local roentgen treatment of RA at a substantial dose of 20 Gy was ineffective in this pilot trial.
Full Text
The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (54.8 KB).
Figure 1.
Results from joint assessment of irradiated and sham treated joints in six patients. Swelling and tenderness were rated by a blinded observer on an arbitrary scale from 0 to 3. Dark bars indicate the period of 2 weeks during which the total dose of 20 Gy was administered.