[Cystine lithiasis and its treatment with d-penicillamine. The experience in a nephrology service in a 23-year period. Apropos of 26 patients].

From 1968 through 1990, 26 patients with cystine lithiasis were followed-up for a mean of 10.6 +/- 6.7 years in the department of Nephrology of the Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, France. Clinical and surgical features in these patients are reported as well as the experience acquired with the use of D-penicillamine over the 23-year study period. Long-term D-penicillamine treatment can be used in patients with cystinuria and is both effective and safe. Use of other thiol compounds for preventing cystine stone formation was not necessary in our patients.