What is Wilson Disease? How to manage it? What are the precautions to be taken? What are the signs and symptoms? What is the cause of this disease? How to treat it? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is Wilson disease?
Wilson disease is also called hepatolenticular disorder. It is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder in which there is an accumulation of copper in the tissues. Wilson disease involves neurological symptoms and liver disease.
There are four stages in the Wilson disease:
• Stage I: The copper is accumulated within hepatic binding sites.
• Stage II: There is the acute redistribution of copper in the liver and it is released into the circulation.
• Stage III: Copper is accumulated in the brain and other extra-hepatic tissues.
• Stage IV: Copper balance is restored by the use of long-term chelation therapy.
Who are more prone to Wilson disease?
Person between the age of 6 to 20 years.
What are the causes of Wilson disease?
In Wilson disease copper is not filtered from the liver because of the mutation of the gene ATP7B. Copper starts getting accumulating in the liver and after the capacity of a liver is exceeded the copper is released into the bloodstream, it then travels to other organs.
The genetic mutation commonly passes from one generation to other. The genetic mutation that is responsible for the development of Wilson disease results in problems with a protein that is needed for removing excess of copper out of the liver.
Copper is needed by the body for the development of healthy, bones, nerves, collagen and melanin.
What are the symptoms of Wilson disease?
-Jaundice
-Swelling of liver or spleen
-Fatigue
-loss of appetite
-Easy bruising
-Swelling of arms and legs
-Ascites
-Behavioral changes
-Muscle stiffness
-difficulty in physical coordination, speech or swallowing
-Anemia
-Osteoporosis, arthritis
-Low platelet or WBC count
-Raised level of uric acid, amino-acid, proteins and carbohydrates
-A presence of Kayser-Fleischer Ring.
Can Wilson’s disease be cured?
Wilson disease is treatable. With the help of proper medication, progression of the disease should be reduced and the symptoms can be improved.
Is Wilson disease fatal?
If not detected and treated well in time, it become fatal as copper get accumulated in liver, eyes, brain and hampers there functioning.
What organs are affected by Wilson’s disease?
In wilson disease there is accumulation of copper especially in liver, eyes, brain, kidneys which causes tissue damage, tissue death and scarring and leads to the improper functioning of the organs.
What are the investigations for Wilson disease?
Diagnosis of Wilson disease is done through physical examination i.e. examination of eye under slit lamp.
A characteristic diagnostic sign of Wilson disease is a formation of Kayser-Fleischer Ring. It is a brownish yellow ring that is visible at the corneoscleral junction.
Diagnosis through blood tests:
-Blood and urine test
-CT and MRI of brain
-Liver biopsy
-DNA mutation analysis
What is the treatment for Wilson disease?
Medicines are used in order to reduce the amount of copper in the body. After the copper level is reduced treatment aims at preventing the copper from accumulating again.
A liver transplant may be needed in case if the liver damage is irreversible.
What dietary precautions are to be taken if suffering from Wilson disease?
Food to be avoided that contains high amount of copper:
Shellfish, squid, pork, lamb, salmon, tofu, mushroom, dry fruits, millet, lentils, barley, soy products, wheat germ, bran bread, fresh sweet potatoes, cocoa, mineral water.Alcohol should be avoided to lessen further damage to the liver.
Food to be consumed that are low in copper:
Beef, chicken, turkey, Vegetables, Butter, mayonnaise, rice, bread and pasta of refined flour, cheese, tea, fruit juices.
What are the complications of Wilson disease?
-Liver cirrhosis
-Liver cancer
-Liver failure
-Kidney stones
-Aminoaciduria
-Neurological problem
Homeopathic treatment for Wilson disease?
-Alfalfa
-Lobelia
-Echinacea
-Valeriana
For more information, you can visit MayoClinic and eMedicine.
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** The text on this website is sourced from websites like emedicine and/or other verified material by government agencies around the globe along with valuable inputs and additions by our team. The content of this page is proofread and updated by the team of doctors, every once in a while, to provide the most accurate information.
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