If left untreated, Wilson disease can cause liver cirrhosis, liver failure and various neurological problems. In some cases it can damage the kidney functions causing kidney failure and even death.
Tests :
- Most of the symptoms of Wilson disease resembles other common illness and hence go unnoticed. Sometimes presence of this disease is realized while examining the blood test for other problems.
- Your doctor would ask for blood and urine test to check the liver metabolism and levels of copper. Amount of copper flushed out of the body in specific time is measured. He may examine your eyes for identifying excess of copper deposits.
- He may do a liver biopsy by removing tissue sample from the liver by inserting a small needle into the liver.
Wilson’s Disease Treatment :
Treatment for Wilson disease can be categorized into 3 types namely changes in diet and lifestyle, medications and liver transplant (in severe cases).
- Medications :
Wilson disease can be treated with chelating agents like penicillamine or Depen but this can cause some adverse effects. Syprine is another drug used for reducing copper content in the blood. Zinc acetate is given for a course to prevent the body from absorbing copper. Zinc is also given for patients orally which effectively blocks the absorption of copper by the digestive tract. Treatment is to be continued until the level of copper in blood reduces and reaches the normal level. Regular blood and urine test are done for patients to monitor the treatment and copper levels in blood.
- Surgery
This is the final option for patients who does not respond to medications. A patient is considered fit for liver transplant if the liver has been severely damaged by cirrhosis, or acute liver failure. You need to find a donor for the surgery which is difficult. Sometimes a living person’s part of liver is surgically removed and replaced in the body of patient.
- Diet Modification :
Foods rich in copper like shellfish, mushrooms, nuts and seeds and chocolates are to be avoided. Once the treatment is started these kinds of foods should be totally avoided. Copper in the tap water should be checked in the house of patients and suitable alternatives are to be made.
Tips For Prevention :
Parents with Wilson disease should be counseled after marriage and go for routine test to prevent passing on the disease to sibling. Genetic test can be done and genetic mutation can be done for affected people with family history.