Stone Dissolution with D-Penicillamine in Cystinuria

Abstract

Significant stone dissolution occurred in four patients with cystine calculi when D-penicillamine was added to a previously ineffective conventional therapeutic programme of forced fluids, alkali, and in three cases methionine restriction. Elective surgery for refractory nephrolithiasis complicated by pyelonephritis should be deferred until a reasonable trial has been made to effect stone dissolution with D-penicillamine. D-Penicillamine is a highly effective therapeutic agent in cystinuria even when used alone in the absence of the conventional programme. © 1965, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.