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Abstract
An adequate trial of conservative treatment should precede any use of steroids in rheumatoid arthritis. When steroids are used, a 60 to 70 per cent suppression should be the goal, rather than complete suppression. In addition to steroid therapy, the panelists discuss physical therapy, management of osteoarthritis, distinguishing features of degenerative articular disease versus rheumatoid arthritis of the hands, and the use of salicylates, phenylbutazone, chrysotherapy and antimalarials. Some laboratory tests for the rheumatoid factor are reviewed briefly, as well as the finding of uric acid crystals in synovial fluid of patients with gouty arthritis.