[Zinc levels in blood and urine of rheumatoid arthritis patients after four months treatment with D-penicillamine].

In 10 female patients with classical rheumatoid arthritis D-penicillamine was administered in a daily dose of 150-150 mg for 4 months. The only additional antiphlogistic treatment was indomethacin (100-150 mg daily). At the beginning and during the trial blood (total) levels of zinc with n-activation analysis and the excretion with urine were determined using n-activationanaysis and atom absorption. By spectrometry following results were obtained: an increase of zinc excretion. By spectrometry following results were obtained: in increase of zinc excretion in urine until day 21; after 2 and 4 months decreased above levels at the original value before beginning of treatment. Blood levels of zinc decreased distinctly until the 2nd week, increase at the 3rd week and return to the original value of the controls before D-penicillamine therapy at the 2nd and 4th months.