BACKGROUND Adhesions formation is a significant postsurgical complication. At present, there is no effective method for preventing adhesions formation 1, although barrier products such as Dextran (Dex) 2 and sodium hyaluronate (SH) 3 have proved the most clinically successful 456, This study is designed to investigate the preventive and therapeutic potential of a novel penicillamine-bound membr...

A long-term study is being undertaken to classify drugs used as specific agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in terms of their effects on biochemical and clinical characteristics of the disease. In particular is hoped to establish those indices which are most relevant to the response of RA to treatment. Fifteen patients were treated with D-penicillamine after an initial period of 2 ...

A patient receiving d-penicillamine for rheumatoid arthritis developed a lymphoma, therapy for which resulted not only in haematological resolution but marked remission of rheumatoid disease activity, including radiological improvement.

A 49 year old man with rheumatoid arthritis developed a proliferative glomerulonephritis with progressive renal impairment during treatment with D-penicillamine. His renal function continued to deteriorate after the drug was stopped but improved after treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine.

A case of dermatomyositis developing during the course of treatment with D-penicillamine in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis is described. Complete remission occurred on withdrawal of the drug. Possible alternative diagnoses are discussed.

The case of a 57-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis is presented to illustrate the rare occurrence of a myasthenic syndrome induced by D-penicillamine, which led to prolonged (5.25-h) postoperative apnoea necessitating artificial ventilation.