In a double-blind clinical trial on 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, calciferol was given in a dose of 100000 IU per day for 1 year to 24 patients, while the remaining 25 received placebo. Objective and subjective improvement was noted in 67% of the calciferol group and in 36% of the control group, while objective and subjective deterioration was noted in 4% of the calciferol group and in 32% of the control group. The mean values for sedimentation rate and axglobulin decreased and the mean hemoglobin level increased in the calciferol group. The consumption of analgesics and antiinflamm atory medicines decreased significantly in the calciferol group and after 1 year morning stiffness had eased and hand strength had increased in this group. 14 Control 3 7 15 Scand J Rheumatology 2 Scand J Rheumatol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Sydney on 01/03/15 For personal use only. Johan Brohult Medical Department 111 Sddersjukhuset Stockholm Sweden Scand J Rheumatology 2 Scand J Rheumatol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Sydney on 01/03/15 For personal use only.

A 53-year male patient, treated for rheumatoid arthritis with sulphasalazine, developed a total agranulocytosis. When this state had prevailed for at least 10 d no bone marrow granulocyte progenitor cells were detectable. Intravenous GM-CSF treatment was initiated 5 d later, and the patient recovered within the next 6 d. GM-CSF treatment for severe agranulocytosis deserves further investigation.