الفهرس 
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Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the use of Sulphasalazine (SAS) in Egyptian RA patients. Sixty patients with active RA were randomly allocated into one of two groups: the SAS-treated group (40) and the control group (20). The following parameters were assessed at weeks 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24:- 1. Clinical: pain VAS, duration of EMS, PIP joint size, hand grip strength, HAQ score, Ritchie AI, patient global assessment of improvement. 4. Laboratory: ESR, Hb concentration, CRP, RF titre. 5. Immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM (at weeks 0 and 24). 6. Faecal Cl.perfringens count (at weeks 0 and 24). 7. Radiological scores of hands and feet. HLA typing was done for all patients. Six of the 40 patients in the SAS group did not complete the study; two because of inefficacy and four due to adverse effects. Among the 20 control patients, five withdrew due to lack of efficacy but none had side effects.