Arthritis discovery

The use of steroids could benefit thousands of arthritis sufferers, according to 바카라사이트 results of an Pounds 85,000 research and clinical trial programme at Bristol University.

In 바카라사이트 1950s, high doses of steroids were used to treat 바카라사이트 symptoms of advanced rheumatoid arthritis. This approach was abandoned because dangerous side-effects emerged.

But John Kirwan of Bristol University's Rheumatology Unit was convinced that low doses of corticosteroids could be effective.

In partnership with Margaret Byron of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, he developed a low-dose strategy and began clinical trials with 128 volunteer patients. Half were given 바카라사이트 daily steroid pill, with 바카라사이트 remainder receiving a placebo.

After it had been monitored for two years, it emerged that those on 바카라사이트 low dose of corticosteroids had less bone and tissue damage. They also found that 바카라사이트 underlying disease had been reduced.

"The exciting thing about 바카라사이트 result is that we now have 바카라사이트 hope of controlling 바카라사이트 disease long term," he said. The study was financed by 바카라사이트 Arthritis and Rheumatism Council.