Læknablaðið : fylgirit - 01.10.1980, Blaðsíða 14

8
in the prostatic utriele, dilations of the
ejaculatory ducts and even prostatectomy
are examples of surgical interventions
which in selected cases may result in a
dramatic improvement of the rheumatic
manifestations.
Salicylic acid preparations often have
only moderate effects, phenylbutazone, in-
domethacin, or naproxen are as a rule more
effective but involve greater risks of
complications.
Local steroids are commonly used, not
only to give rapid relief from pain and
swelling but also to facilitate mobilisation
and muscle training. Oral steroids are
hardly ever indicated. Chloroquine may be
tried in recalcitrant cases.
Prognosis
With this treatment programme the
functional prognosis in uro-arthritis is
good. Less than 5 per cent of the patients
lose their working capacity. The maiti risk
is not from the joints, but from the eyes.
In a following-group of 75 patients after 6
years of observation we had two patients
with iritis who were granted disability
pension because of imparied vision. In a
new follow-up after 13 years of observation
there was no further case of disability.