[Effect of D-penicillamine on zinc levels in blood and urine of patients with chronic polyarthritis].

In 6 female patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis D-penicillamine was administered in a daily dose of 250--500 mg for 3 weeks. The only additional antiphlogistic treatment was Indomethacin (100--150 mg daily). At the beginning and during the trial blood levels and the urinary excretion of zinc were determined using both neutron-activation analysis and atomabsorption. The results showed an increase of the urinary zinc excretion during the whole trial, a decrease of blood concentration of zinc until the 2nd week of treatment followed by an increase during the 3rd week above the level of the controls obtained before D-penicillamine therapy was started.