Efficacy and toxicity of retreatment with gold salts: a retrospective review of 25 cases.

We reviewed the records of 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent 25 retreatments with gold salt injections given at a frequency greater than the usual monthly maintenance. Subject to the limitations of retrospective review, it was judged that every patient had improved on retreatment (5 fair, 19 good, 1 excellent), and there was only 1 instance of toxicity necessitating cessation of chrysotherapy. Repeat courses of gold salt injections of increased frequency appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who relapse after initial successful treatment.