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The effect of drugs on serum histidine levels in rheumatoid arthritis

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Summary

Groups of 15 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were treated for 24 weeks with zinc sulphate, trien, captopril, clozic in two doses or a combination of d-penicillamine and hydroxychloroquine. Serum histidine levels were monitored along with measures of disease activity including C-reactive protein, plasma viscosity, articular index, grip strength and early morning stiffness. Zinc sulphate and trien were found to be ineffective while the other drugs all showed evidence of second-line action. Serum histidine was found to improve during successful therapy. The possible cause of low serum histidine and its response to therapy is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Royal Bath Hospital, Cornwall Road, HG1 2PS, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK

    J. S. Dixon, N. G. Sitton, K. E. Surrall, M. E. Pickup & H. A. Bird

  2. Rheumatism Research Unit, University Department of Medicine, The General Infirmary, LS1 3EX, Leeds, UK

    M. F. R. Martin

Authors
  1. J. S. Dixon
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  2. N. G. Sitton
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  3. K. E. Surrall
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  4. M. F. R. Martin
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  5. M. E. Pickup
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  6. H. A. Bird
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Dixon, J.S., Sitton, N.G., Surrall, K.E. et al. The effect of drugs on serum histidine levels in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 3, 145–149 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541592

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541592

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