Immunmodulation mit einem Thymusgesamtextrakt bei rheumatoider Arthritis

Author(s): Pflugbeil, K.

Abstract: In a review about the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis by means of immunomodulators such as full thymus extract the unsatisfactory situation concerning the proof of the effectiveness of the therapy with conventional tong-term antirheumatic agents (so-called basic therapeutics) is first reported. The results of relevant studies are mentioned tinder a critical point of view. As an alternative to the therapy with these classical antirheumatic agents the importance and the value of a supporting therapy with immunomodulators such as an aqueous full thymus extract is emphasized. Because of its good tolerance and the minimum risk involved this substance is very attractive. Persistant or serious systemic side effects have not been observed. The results of an uncontrolled prospective and retrospective longterm study carried out on 15 probands with classic or established juvenile form of the rheumatoid arthritis are described and interpreted. For many years this group of patients was treated with dosages of corticoids and long-term antirheumatic agents subject to side effects. In 73% of the cases this resulted in a remarkably good influence of the clinical picture. 60% of them had a very good and 13% a moderate change to the better. The long-term antirheurnatic agents could then be discontinued except in one case. Moreover, cortisone could be reduced or the adrenal cortical steroids were discontinued. An accompanying prescription with non-steroid antirheumatic agents (antiphlogistics) was useful and was continued if the tolerance was existant. In case of rheumatic arthritis with adults the results obtained so far showed in the majority of the cases an improvement of the clinical picture with strong tendancies towards an increase of the rate of remission and an extension of the duration of remission as well as towards an improverment of the quality of life.

Keyword(s): Rheumatoide Arthritis

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