EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM TREATMENT IN WILSONS-DISEASE WITH D-PENICILLAMINE AND ZINC-SULFATE

The results of treatment with D-penicillamine (D-P) or zinc sulphate ( Zn) in 67 newly diagnosed cases of Wilson's disease have been compared . All patients (7 with hepatic, 1 with psychiatric and 59 with neurolo gical or preclinical forms) were fully compliant. During 12 years of o bservation, 34 patients received d-P and 33 Zn as the primary treatmen t. Fifteen patients (44%) discontinued D-P, in 10 cases owing to side effects. Four (12%) patients discontinued Zn, in 2 cases because of si de-effects. One patient who received Zn deteriorated during the first few months after the initiation of therapy. The effectiveness of longt erm treatment with D-P and Zn was similar in those patients who were a ble to continue the initial therpay. Zn was tolerated better than D-P; we suggest, therefore, that it may be recommended as an initial thera py for patients in the preclinical stage of Wilson's disease or with n eurological presentation of the disease. More observation is needed fo r patients with the hepatic and psychiatric forms of the disease.