A new principle of immunotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: treatment with transfer factor.

Abstract

Three patients with severe affectioAs of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were treated with 5-10 injections of transfer factor for 3–5 months. The results with this new principle of immunotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis are promising and can be summarized as follows: (1) The therapy has not in any case resulted in any flare-up of the disease. (2) There has been no clinical progression of the disease and none of the laboratory parameters, including X-ray findings and immunologic studfes, have indicated any further development of the disease during the therapeutic period. (3) There has been a definite improvement in the general condition including normalizing of the temperature, less morning stiffness and pain, improved ability for general activity and participation in physical treatment. (4) In two cases there was also an improvement of the joint function. Changes in cell-mediated immunity occurred during the treatment, as evidenced by conversion of previously negative antigen responses by in vitro and in vivo testing.