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

Author(s): Hashkes PJ, Tauber T, Somekh E, Brik R, Barash J, Mukamel M, Harel L, Lorber A, Berkovitch M, Uziel Y, Pediatric Rheumatlogy Study Group of Israel

Affiliation(s): Sieff Hospital, Safed, Israel.

Publication date & source: 2003-09, J Pediatr., 143(3):399-401.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

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.