[D-penicillamin-induced IgA-deficiency (author's transl)].

A 6 year old girl developed IgA-deficiency following treatment for chronic hepatitis with D-penicillamine. 4 months after discontinuation of the drug serum IgA and the number of circulating B-lymphocytes were still markedly reduced, in addition secretory IgA was diminished relative to secretory IgM. D-penicillamine should be used only if absolutely necessary and during treatment frequent monitoring of immunoglobulin levels becomes mandatory.