Summary
We report four cases of massive eosinophilia (>1.5×109'/l) a phenomenon uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis. In two patients it preceded therapy with second line anti-rheumatic drugs. The others developed it during therapy with penicillamine and gold, though neither had an adverse reaction. It appears there are two patterns of massive eosinophilia in RA; one is related to the disease process the other to drug therapy. It does not necessarily predict adverse drug reactions nor preclude treatment with anti-rheumatic therapy.
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Dawes, P.T., Smith, D.H. & Scott, D.L. Massive eosinophilia in rheumatoid arthritis: Report of four cases. Clin Rheumatol 5, 62–65 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030969
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030969