Abstract |
Wilson's disease is a hereditary disorder of biliary copper excretion. Most often the disease presents with hepatic and neurological involvement. In the hepatic forms, hypocerulo-plasminemia, the determination of eye copper and the dosage of copper in serum, urine and liver tissue are all leads to diagnosis. The presentation and the biochemistry may direct the diagnosis of the acute forms. Treatment differs according to the clinical patterns. Early diagnosis in the asymptomatic patient leads to chelating therapy to prevent copper overload. Chronic disease may benefit from chelation and liver transplant. Transplantation is the cure for fulminant forms. We report three young women with Wilson's disease; one had a fulminant form and was transplanted and the other two responded to chelation therapy. Family screening allowed the identification of an asymptomatic sibling.
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Authors | W Debernardi-Venon, F A Balzola, M Lagget, A Marzano |
Journal | Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica
(Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol)
Vol. 40
Issue 4
Pg. 191-5
(Dec 1994)
ISSN: 1121-421X [Print] Italy |
Vernacular Title | Malattia di Wilson epatica: presentazione clinica e prognosi. Indicazioni al trapianto di fegato. |
PMID | 7849147
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Chelating Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Hepatolenticular Degeneration
(diagnosis, genetics, therapy)
- Humans
- Liver Transplantation
- Pedigree
- Prognosis
- Time Factors
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