D-penicillamine in Felty's syndrome.

Abstract

We report our experience with 8 patients with Felty's syndrome who were treated with D-penicillamine for a mean of one year. Six of the 8 patients experienced improvement in their neutropenia. Cutaneous ulcers healed in 4 of 6, while recurrent infections cleared in 3 of 5 patients. The drug was withdrawn in 6 patients--lack of response in one, thrombocytopenia in one, urticaria in one, rash in one, and granulocytopenia in 2. One of the latter 2 patients developed pancytopenia and died. Although D-penicillamine is effective in treatment of Felty's syndrome, its side effects can be serious and potentially lethal. Its use should be limited to patients who have failed other treatments.

• Authors: S Lakhanpal, H S Luthra
• Journal: The Journal of rheumatology (J Rheumatol) Vol. 12 Issue 4 Pg. 703-6 (Aug 1985) ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada
• PMID: 4057191 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hemoglobins
• Penicillamine

Topics

• Aged
• Felty Syndrome (blood, drug therapy)
• Female
• Granulocytes (drug effects)
• Hemoglobins (analysis)
• Humans
• Leukocyte Count (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neutrophils (drug effects)
• Penicillamine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)