Observations on the treatment of rheumatoid disease with penicillamine

Abstract

Summary: Forty-five patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis were given D-penicillamine hydrochloride according to a fixed regimen for up to 2 years. The effects of treatment were observed both clinically and by the use of laboratory parameters. The results show that about 75% of patients exhibited objective improvement. Those with rheumatoid arthritis were found to do particularly well. The incidence, type and severity of side-effects are discussed.