[Evaluation of tolerability and efficacy of a nabumetone preparation in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].
In an open uncontrolled trial 30 patients (4 males, 26 females) aged 43-70 years suffering from active rheumatoid arthritis (diagnosis based on American Rheumatoid Association criteria) were treated with nabumetone (one 1 g capsule daily per os). Symptoms were evaluated according to subjective and objective parameters (spontaneous resting pain, night pain, pain during movement. Huskinsson's visual analogic scale, Ritchie's articular index, hand grip, duration of morning stiffness; number of joints involved, global function capacity, Lee index); an overall improvement was observed. In view of the prevalence of positive judgements, nabumetone may be considered a valid resource for symptomatic management of active rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment had to be withdrawn in four cases: for gastrointestinal side effects in 3 cases, slight erythema in one case, often accompanied by increasing severity of the painful symptoms. Tolerability both general and local was considered good.