Hovan joint diseases as dangerous, that heart and
cancer.

Among the leading diseases of the joints is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) -
serious chronic disease of unknown etiology in which developing
erosive changes, leading patients to early disability. For RA
characterized by symmetrical joint damage, persistent pain, stiffness,
dysfunction of the joints.

Worldwide RA affects about 63 million people, which leads to large
economic losses. According to foreign studies 50% of patients are
disabilities in the first 5 years of illness.

Rheumatoid arthritismoreoften exposed to the elderly. At the same time, growth
morbidity rates among young people. Women suffer three timesmorelikely than
men. Risk factors are bad heredity, regular
coffee consumption, as well as numerous genera and excessive smoking.



Recently, Russia has been completed 4-month open multicenter clinical
test the efficacy and safety of a new dasg "Arava (leflunomide).
Tests were conducted at the Institute of Rheumatology at the Department of Rheumatology
1 School of Medicine, Faculty of therapy. Academician Nesterov and
Internal Medicine № 1, Moscow Medical Academy. Sechenov.

Studies conducted on 200 volunteers, have proven the effectiveness of new
dasg in the clinical manifestations of RA, which confirmed the results
serious trials conducted in Europe and the USA. There's efficiency and
safety of leflunomide was set during during 2 years of the three
randomized trials in 896 patients.

The clinical effect - a significant reduction in the number of painful and inflamed
joints, lower ESR. Marked by significant slowing of inflammatory
processes in the joints, improve functional ability, quality of life
patients, especially in such indicators as physical, emotional activity
and mental health.

The studies did not reveal any serious side effects.



The symposium was attended by:



Nasonov Eugene L., chief rheumatologist Ministry of Health, RAMS

Balabanov Rima M., Professor, President of the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia

Erdes F. Sandor, MD, Institute of Rheumatology



Contact: Jeanne Garibyan

tel. (095) 291 24 45; garibian@apcom.com