Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and/or gold salts were unsuccessful alone in providing symptom relief in three men with rheumatoid psoriasis. All three were treated with bromocriptine (5 mg/d in 2 doses) after verification of normal baseline and protirelin-stimulation prolactin levels. There was a beneficial effect in nocturnal pain relief, morning stiffness, the Lee and Ritchie scores and biological markers of inflammation. Two of the patients were able to return to regular work occupation after 15 and 45 days. In the third patient, bromocriptine was discontinued due to nausea and dizziness but was reintroduced successfully in fractionated doses after recurrence of the symptomatology. Treatment was continued without secondary adverse effects for 3 to 9 months providing continued symptom relief. Bromocriptine can be an effective adjuvant for the management of rheumatoid psoriasis.
Adult Arthritis, Psoriatic