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Penicillamine-induced dermatomyositis. A case history
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Penicillamine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can cause dermato-myopathy, a rare autoimmune disorder. Stopping the drug led to symptom remission in a 69-year-old patient.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Penicillamine (dimethylcysteine) is used for Wilson's disease, heavy metal poisoning, cysteinuria, and increasingly for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Its mechanism in rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but numerous side effects, including autoimmune disorders, are documented.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis developed severe dermato-myopathy while on penicillamine therapy.
- The patient experienced remission of symptoms after discontinuing penicillamine.
Findings:
- This case adds to the limited reports of dermatomyositis as a complication of penicillamine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Drug-induced autoimmune disorders are known side effects of penicillamine.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for penicillamine to induce severe autoimmune conditions like dermato-myopathy.
- Suggests careful monitoring for autoimmune side effects in patients treated with penicillamine for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reinforces the importance of drug withdrawal for managing penicillamine-induced adverse events.