Our experiences in treatment of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systematic inflammation illness characterized by progressive damage of joints. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is individual, programmed and complex and consists of general measures, application of adequate medication, physical procedures, balneotherapy and various surgical techniques as necessary. The objective of research is to show success of therapy in use of medication and other types of treatment for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The following were applied: non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NAIL), metotrexate, gold salts, corticosteroids, sulphasalzine, Chlorochin, cyclophosphamide and others. Metotrexate was often applied in our research and good results were achieved with it, but very good results were also achieved by combination of 2 or more immunodatulatory medications, including interarticular application of medication, physical, balneo and orthopedic therapy, as well as other alternative therapy. Success of therapy based on Richie index shows statistically significant improvement, meaning that there was movement from grade 3 and 4 into grades 1 and 2.