PROBLEMS OF PROLONGED CORTISONE TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS

In September, 1949, our research group began investigations of prolonged use of cortisone and corticotropin (ACTH) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, hoping to answer the questions: 1. Can cortisone and corticotropin be tolerated for long periods? 2. Does prolonged use of these hormones benefit the arthritis? 3. Is prolonged use of cortisone and corticotropin practical? In June, 1950, at the meeting of the American Rheumatism Association, experiences to that date were reported as observed in nine patients, three of whom received corticotropin and six of whom received cortisone for more than 100 days. These patients, then still being treated, had tolerated the hormone with only minor or no undesirable effects and with good antirheumatic benefit. Now, after 12 additional months, we make a progress report of further investigations. Although they are being continued and cannot be finally summarized, the number of cases has been substantially increased, and there has now