title: D-penicillamine in the treatment of eosinophilic fasciitis: case reports and review of the literature.
abstract: Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disease characterized by symmetrical thickness and hardening of the skin, especially localized to forearms and thorax, with eosinophilia. Corticosteroids represent the first-line therapy, even if some patients are scarcely responsive and/or may develop important side effects due to long-term treatment. Here, we describe three cases of EF, two of them refractory to previous steroid therapy, successfully treated with D-penicillamine. The present clinical observations together with the updated review of the literature suggest usefulness of D-penicillamine in EF patients, as well as its potential steroid-sparing value.
authors: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Medical School, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41121 Modena, Italy.
authors: C U
authors: CU
authors: Manzini
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sebastiani
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Giuggioli
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Manfredi
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Colaci
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Cesinaro
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Ferri
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D057915:Drug Substitution; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010396:Penicillamine