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Polymyositis complicating D-penicillamine treatment
A O Aydintug1, R Cervera, D D'Cruz
1Lupus Arthritis Research Unit, Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|November 1, 1991
Summary
D-penicillamine can cause polymyositis, but the exact cause is unknown. This study explores if D-penicillamine is the sole cause or a trigger for autoimmune disease in two patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- D-penicillamine is a chelating agent used to treat Wilson's disease, cystinuria, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Polymyositis is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation.
Observation:
- Two patients with psoriatic arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis developed polymyositis while on D-penicillamine treatment.
- The onset of polymyositis occurred during treatment for their respective primary conditions.
Findings:
- The study investigates the pathogenic mechanism of D-penicillamine-induced polymyositis.
- It considers whether D-penicillamine is the direct cause or a trigger for secondary autoimmune conditions.
Implications:
- Understanding the mechanism can help prevent or manage D-penicillamine-induced polymyositis.
- This research may inform treatment strategies for patients with autoimmune conditions receiving D-penicillamine.