Relationship between Serum Gold Content and Distribution to Serum Immunoglobulins and Complement*

Abstract

ALTHOUGH gold salts have been recognized since the 1930s as effective in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis1, there have only recently been attempts to administer this potentially hazardous agent on a pharmacological basis instead of the fixed-dose administration currently in use2, 3. By monitoring serum gold and making appropriate weekly dosage adjustment we have been able to administer significantly greater cumulative dosage and avoid excessively high serum gold values while maintaining concentrations within the range of 300–500 µg 100 ml.−1 for more than 3 yr without serious adverse effects. Conversely we have noted the prevailing serum gold levels in patients maintained on the fixed dosage schedule in current use to be significantly lower, usually less than 200 µg 100 ml.−1 (ref. 4).