[Treatment of chronic infantile hepatitis with D-penicillamine (author's transl)].

Detailed discussion of action, indication and side effects of D-Penicillamine which was used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis of infancy. Of 18 patients, 7 had chronic-active hepatitis, 6 chronic persisting hepatitis, 2 subacute hepatitis and 3 fibrosis of the liver. Control of results was based on numerous clinical chemical investigations and repeated liver biopsies. The transaminases and histology of the biopsies were the essential parameters. Doses between 15 and 35 mg/kg of body weight gave very favorable results in these 18 patients, treated over 5 to 24 months. Australia antigen-negative, chronic active hepatitis appeared to be particularly suited for this type of treatment.