Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis
Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis Gold injections, also known as gold therapy or chrysotherapy, have a long history in the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and skin psoriasis, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage. While modern treatments predominantly involve biologic agents and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), gold therapy remains a notable historical and alternative approach in certain cases.
Historically, gold compounds such as aurothioglucose and auranofin were among the first systemic treatments used for rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions. Their anti-inflammatory properties were believed to inhibit immune system activity, thereby reducing joint inflammation. For psoriatic arthritis, gold injections were considered beneficial in alleviating symptoms, especially in patients who did not respond well to other therapies. Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis
Gold injections are administered directly into the muscle, allowing for a sustained release of the medication over time. The treatment typically involves weekly or biweekly injections over several months. The goal is to diminish joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and improve overall quality of life. Some patients also experience improvements in skin psoriasis, although this effect varies. Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis
Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis However, gold therapy is not without risks. It can cause side effects such as skin rashes, mouth ulcers, kidney toxicity, and blood disorders like bone marrow suppression. Due to these potential adverse effects, gold injections are usually reserved for cases where other treatments have failed or are contraindicated. Regular monitoring of blood counts and kidney function is essential during therapy to detect and manage adverse reactions early.
In recent years, the use of gold injections for psoriatic arthritis has declined significantly. Advances in biologic therapies—such as TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and PDE4 inhibitors—offer targeted, effective, and safer options for managing psoriatic arthritis. These newer treatments have demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling both joint and skin symptoms, with a more favorable side effect profile.
Despite this shift, some patients and clinicians still explore gold therapy as an alternative or adjunct treatment, especially in cases where conventional options are ineffective or unsuitable. It’s also sometimes used in regions with limited access to advanced biologic drugs or among patients seeking traditional or complementary medicine approaches. Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis
Gold injections for psoriatic arthritis In summary, gold injections for psoriatic arthritis represent a historical treatment option that played a pivotal role in autoimmune disease management. While modern medicine favors biologic agents for their targeted action and safety, understanding gold therapy’s role provides insight into the evolution of autoimmune disease treatment and highlights the importance of individualized patient care.
