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:
  • More than 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Wilson's Disease.
Liver Cirrhosis
Wilson Disease

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