Rate of D isappearance and Metabolism of Hydrocortisone and Cortisone in the Synovial Cavity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.,

Abstract

Summary Quantitative assays have been performed on extracts of synovial fluid aspirated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, following intra-articular injection of cortisone, hydrocortisone, and their acetates. After one hour and 3 hours about 85% and 98% respectively had disappeared. There was no marked difference in rate of disappearance among the 4 compounds. Paper chromatographic analyses of post-injection extracts revealed well localized bands which were not seen in the control fluid from uninjected joints, indicating that metabolites were formed within the synovial cavity.