The efficacy and safety of auranofin in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

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.