Penicillamine in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

On the basis of theoretical considerations and the results of other authors we share the opinion of CEGLA that an early combined therapy of corticoids and D-penicillamine is the preferred therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. After subsidence of the exudative stages of pulmonary fibrosis the glucocorticoids should be, in our opinion, gradually reduced, so that a D-penicillamine therapy of a smaller dosage can also be efficient. However, a measurable therapeutical effect can only be objectively determined after a longer period of administration (approximately one year).