The Technetium Articular Index (TcAI) is regarded as a parameter of local inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We studied TcAI behaviour during 1-year chrysotherapy in a group of fifteen RA patients. In non-responders TcAI showed a gradual decrease up to the 6th month and a return to baseline values within the second semester of the follow-up; conversely, in response patients TcAI remained unchanged during the entire period of the study, thus showing a paradoxical behaviour probably depending on the recovery of normal physical ability and articular activity.

The safety and efficacy of auranofin in the long-term treatment of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was investigated in an open study of 14 patients. Twelve patients completed at least 12 months of treatment, and 7 patients completed 36 months of treatment. Classic parameters of disease activity showed improvement over baseline values after 6 months of treatment, and laboratory indices remained stable or improved throughout the study. Auranofin was well tolerated; the frequency of adverse effects was lower in these patients than has been previously reported in either adults or children whose arthritis has been treated with injectable gold.