Toxicity due to remission inducing drugs in rheumatoid arthritis. Association with HLA-B35 and Cw4 antigens.

Twenty-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed toxicity while taking remission inducing drugs and 30 without toxicity were studied for possible associations with class I and II HLA antigens. A strong association has been found between nephritis and dermatitis due to Tiopronin (a D-Penicillamine like compound) and class I antigens B35-Cw4, and between dermatitis due to gold thiosulphate and B35. Compared to healthy controls a lower DR5 frequency was observed in patients with RA except for the Tiopronin related nephritis group

[Paraneoplastic polymyalgia rheumatica. Case contribution].

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease which mainly affects the elderly and is highly responsive to steroid therapy. PMR can be associated with giant cell arteritis as well as with malignancy. Three cases of malignant neoplasms of the digestive apparatus beginning with a clinical picture similar to that of the "idiopathic" PMR, but with poor response to steroid therapy are presented. In one case the primary neoplasm was found only at the autopsy. These observations suggest that a careful clinical evaluation and a long follow-up are necessary for a correct diagnosis of "idiopathic" PMR