Penicillamine and Hydroxychloroquine in the Treatment of Severe Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

One hundred sixty-two children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were entered in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-month clinical trial designed to establish the efficacy and safety of two slower-acting antirheumatic drugs, penicillamine and hydroxychloroquine. The study was a cooperative effort of the United States and the Soviet Union. One group of subjects received 10 mg of penicillamine per kilogram of body weight per day, another group received 6 mg of hydroxychloroquine per kilogram daily, and a third group received placebo. All three groups were allowed a single concurrent nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, but no other antirheumatic medications, including corticosteroids.