Gold vs D-penicillamine double blind study and followup
Thomas, M.H.; Rothermich, N.O.; Philips, V.K.; Bergen, W.; Hedrick, S.W.
Journal of Rheumatology 11(6): 764-767
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 6240537 Document Number: 232193
We undertook a controlled random double-blind comparing gold and penicillamine. Of the 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis entered into the study, 34 completed the protocol. We found no significant differences in the clinical results, laboratory variables, or toxicity. Longterm followup of 55 months revealed that a significant number of patients were no longer on either drug. The notable exceptions were those who were felt to be in remission from either drug, and remained on gold, or penicillamine. No toxicity from penicillamine involving known immunological aberration has thus far been encountered.