A double-blind cross-over evaluation of ketoprofen and indomethacin in Reiter's disease.

A double-blind cross-over study to compare the effect of 200 mg ketoprofen per day with that of 100 mg indomethacin per day was carried out in 50 patients with seronegative polyarthritis associated with Reiter's disease. Treatment was withdrawn in 3 cases, in 2 because of sideeffects due to indomethacin, in one owing to an intercurrent disorder. Treatment was discontinued in 3 other cases because of an exacerbation of the arthritis, in 2 cases during the ketoprofen period and in one during the indomethacin period. In the remaining 44 cases no statistically significant difference was observed between the beneficial effects of ketoprofen and indomethacin on the arthritis during the two 8-week periods of treatment. Initially ketoprofen had a slightly superior effect on pain, while during the second period indomethacin had a better effect on pain, morning stiffness and limitation of joint movement. Ketoprofen caused fewer and less serious sideeffects than indomethacin.