Naproxen as an alternative to aspirin for the treatment of arthritis of rheumatic fever: a randomized trial

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 143; no. 3; pp. 399 - 401
• Main Authors: Hashkes, Philip J., Tauber, Tsivia, Somekh, Eli, Brik, Riva, Barash, Judith, Mukamel, Masza, Harel, Liora, Lorber, Abraham, Berkovitch, Matityahu, Uziel, Yosef
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.09.2003; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - pharmacokinetics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - therapeutic use; Aspirin - pharmacokinetics; Aspirin - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Osteoarticular involvement in other diseases; Naproxen - pharmacokinetics; Naproxen - therapeutic use; Prospective Studies; Rheumatic Fever - drug therapy; Therapeutic Equivalency; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; RF; ESR; NXN; NSAID; ASA; Human; Pediatrics; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Arthritis; Acetylsalicylic acid; Infection; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Streptococcal infection; Naproxen; Bacteriosis; Clinical trial; Child; Rheumatic fever
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1067/S0022-3476(03)00388-3

We performed a prospective, randomized, open-label equivalence study comparing the use of naproxen to aspirin in 33 patients with rheumatic fever. The mean time until resolution of arthritis was 2.9±2.9 days in both groups. Liver enzyme elevations were more frequent in the aspirin group (P=.002). We conclude that naproxen is as effective, is easier to use, and is safer than aspirin in the treatment of the arthritis of rheumatic fever.