A rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene. It is characterized by copper accumulation in the tissues, particularly brain and liver. It results in liver failure, neurologic, and psychotic manifestations.
Symptoms of Wilson's Disease
The following features are indicative of Wilson's Disease:
fatigue
abdominal pain
lack of appetite
jaundice
tendency to bruise easily
fluid buildup in the legs
fluid buildup in abdomen
problems with speech
problems in swallowing
uncontrolled movements
It is possible that Wilson's Disease shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Wilson's Disease
The following are the most common causes of Wilson's Disease:
genetic mutation
Risk Factors for Wilson's Disease
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Wilson's Disease:
family history
mutations in the ATP7B gene
Prevention of Wilson's Disease
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Wilson's Disease. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
genetic counseling
Occurrence of Wilson's Disease
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Wilson's Disease cases seen each year worldwide:
Rare between 10K - 50K cases
Common Age Group
Wilson's Disease most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 3-72 years
Common Gender
Wilson's Disease can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Wilson's Disease
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Wilson's Disease:
Blood testing: To monitor liver functioning and to check the copper levels in blood
Eye examination: To evaluate golden-brown discoloration in eyes
Liver biopsy: To diagnose the excess copper in body
Genetic testing: To detect the genetic mutations that cause Wilson's disease
Doctor for Diagnosis of Wilson's Disease
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Wilson's Disease:
General practitioner
Hepatologist
Complications of Wilson's Disease if untreated
Yes, Wilson's Disease causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Wilson's Disease is left untreated:
cirrhosis
liver failure
persistent neurological difficulty
kidney problems
psychological problems
Procedures for Treatment of Wilson's Disease
The following procedures are used to treat Wilson's Disease:
Liver Transplantation: To eliminate the diseased liver and to replace it with a healthy liver
Self-care for Wilson's Disease
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Wilson's Disease:
Limit the amount of copper in diet: Protects you from developing Wilson disease
Avoid multivitamins that contain copper: Helpful in preventing Wilson disease
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Wilson's Disease
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Wilson's Disease:
Physical therapy: Helps in managing the symptoms of Wilson disease
Patient Support for Treatment of Wilson's Disease
The following actions may help Wilson's Disease patients:
Join support groups: Helps in coping with the disease
Time for Treatment of Wilson's Disease
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Wilson's Disease to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: