Wilson's disease

Provided by: Healthwise
72% of users found this article helpful.

Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes a buildup of copper in the liver and other organs of the body, most often the brain, kidneys, and eyes. It most often occurs in teenagers and young adults.

Wilson's disease can be treated with a diet low in copper and by taking medication that removes copper from the body. Treatment is usually successful when it begins before serious liver or brain damage has occurred. In some cases of liver damage, the person may need a liver transplant.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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