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Osteoporosis in the rheumatoid hand the effects of treatment with D-penicillamine and oral gold salts


D. Schorn

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a common and important feature of rheumatoid disease which can be further influenced by the treatment admiflistered. o-penicillamine. a lathyritic agent. can also theoretically hasten the osteoporotic process through its effect on collagen metabolism. In the present study the effects of the long-term second-line drugs o-penicillamine and oral gold (Auranofin) on bone density are presented. All the patients studied lost bone mineral over the 3-year period, but continuous D-penicillamine therapy for 1 year reversed this t"rend. Oral gold did not have the same effect. Measurements of bone density are an accurate indirect measurement of hand function, and there is a good correlation between hand function and the progress of osteoporosis. It is therefore suggested that treatment with o-penicillamine reverses the tendency to lose bone mineral improving synovitis. thus leading to improved hand function.


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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574