Long-term evaluation of penicillamine or cyclofenil in systemic sclerosis. Results from a two-year randomized study.

Author(s): Akesson A, Blom-Bulow B, Scheja A, Wollmer P, Valind S, Wollheim FA

Affiliation(s): Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

Publication date & source: 1992, Scand J Rheumatol., 21(5):238-44.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

In a two-year prospective therapeutic trial 13 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were treated with penicillamine, 9 with cyclofenil, and 7 with neither. At entry skin involvement and esophageal, lung, heart, and kidney function did not differ significantly between the groups. Reevaluation after one and two years did not show any significant changes in skin, esophageal, heart, and kidney manifestations, while lung function had slightly improved in both drug-treatment groups. This study thus shows little overall effect of penicillamine and cyclofenil, although both drugs may arrest worsening of pulmonary dysfunction.