Efficacy and Toxicity of d‐Penicillamine for Rheumatoid Disease in the Elderly

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Abstract
The efficacy and the toxicity pattern of d‐penicillamine were studied in patients with rheumatoid disease followed up between April 1975 and March 1979. The population of patients was divided into an elderly group (≥60 years old, mean = 65 years) and a younger group (P < 0.01), severe skin rash (P < 0.01), and marked abnormalities in the ability to taste (P < 0.05). The incidence of hematologic toxicity was not increased in the elderly compared with the younger patients. Toxicity in either group was not influenced by prior gold‐salt therapy. It is concluded that d‐penicillamine was equally efficacious in both elderly and younger groups, and that the toxicity patterns were similar except for increased tendencies toward rashes and taste abnormalities in the elderly.