Lack of beneficial effect of zinc sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis

Rasker JJ, Kardaun SH · Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology

NULL: six patients reported only subjective improvement in the first 6 months and all deteriorated subsequently; affected-joint counts, ARA grading, functional class, ESR and blood counts did not change, and most patients asked to stop because of the taste and nausea.

Population

Patients with severe long-standing rheumatoid arthritis

Intervention

Oral zinc sulphate, prospective long-term open trial (mean ~5 months before most stopped)

Comparator

None (open, uncontrolled)

Limitations

Open and uncontrolled, so it cannot rule an effect in or out on its own — its weight is as a failed replication alongside the null RCT.