This hereditary disease allows too much copper to be retained in the organs, especially the liver. The copper starts accumulating right after birth. Left untreated, Wilson’s disease can be fatal but when diagnosed early, it can be successfully treated.

Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment


Symptoms
While the disease may be discovered earlier, symptoms often don’t appear until later in life.  Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain

• Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes

• Anemia
• Vomiting of blood

Unfortunately, the disease sometimes progresses without any obvious symptoms until you develop cirrhosis.  Some people with Wilson’s disease also develop neurological, behavioral or psychological problems, or eye, kidney and bone problems.

Diagnosing Wilson’s disease
We will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You will have a physical exam, and may have tests including:

• Blood and urine tests
• Eye exam  (the disease sometimes causes a brownish color in the eyes)
• Liver biopsy

Treating Wilson’s disease
With treatment, the disease usually stops progressing and symptoms improve. We will prescribe medication which you will continue taking for life. If the disease has lead to severe liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary.