D‐Penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Abstract D‐penicillamine was administered to 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A fall in the titer of rheumatoid factor was demonstrated in all patients. The sedimentation rate decreased in most patients. There was no consistent alteration in immunoglobulins A, G or M or in lymphocyte transformation attributable to penicillamine. Ceruloplasmin serum levels were lowered significantly in 7 patients. Clinical improvement in the arthritis resulted in 10 patients.