Waaler Rose titres may decrease but increase again during chrysotherapy.

In 62 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, treated with gold compounds, the relationship between serological and clinical response was analysed, based on data on the rheumatoid factor (RF) titre, ESR, number of swollen joints and joint tenderness, through 3 years. Three groups were distinguished. The RF titre became normal in 19, remained elevated in 22, became normal and subsequently again elevated in 21. Responders and non-responders to chrysotherapy occurred in all 3 groups. The findings suggest involvement of pathogenetic mechanisms related to IgM-RF, and of pathogenetic mechanisms which are not related to IgM-RF, and which may be responsive or unresponsive to chrysotherapy.