اثر بروموکریپتین بر علایم بالینی و آزمایشگاهی آرتریت روماتوئید

Background and purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by articular destruction and systemic complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bromocriptine on clinical and laboratory findings of rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods: Ïn this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial, 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited. Âlthough these patients had consumed modifying anti rheumatoid drugs (DMÂRDs) and prednisolone, they did not show a satisfying response to the drugs. The patients randomly received bromocriptine or placebo for three months and after two weeks as a washout period during which none of the treatments were done, the second course of treatment was started with the alternative drug. Serum level of prolactin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and clinical criteria of disease activity including the number of swollen and tendered joints, morning stiffness and consumption of analgesics were measured at the beginning and at the end of each course of the treatment. Results: Âmong the patients enrolled in the study, two did not continue because of the side effects of bromocriptine. Ïn comparison with the placebo, bromocriptine was significantly more effective in reducing the severity of disease (P<0.05) and the use of analgesics (P<0.05). However, no clear decrease was observed in prolactin level and other clinical parameters. Çonclusion: This study showed relative improvement in the laboratory and clinical findings of rheumatoid arthritis with bromocriptine. Thus, more studies on this and other prolactin inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis are recommended.