Eosinophilia in rheumatoid patients treated with D-penicillamine

The prevalence of eosinophilia in 66 patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving D-penicillamine was determined in a retrospective study. Eosinophilia occurred in 24%. The simultaneous occurrence of toxicity and eosinophilia occurred in 3%. In contrast, eosinophilia only occurred in 10% of those with suspected toxicity. The value of eosinophilia as a marker of toxicity is discussed.