By: Lauren Filice Jasmine Mateo Monica La Borde Wilson Disease
What is Wilson disease? Wilson disease is a genetic disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of extra copper. In Wilson disease, copper builds up in the liver, brain, eyes, and other organs. Over time, high copper levels can cause life-threatening organ damage. People who have Wilson disease cannot release copper from their liver properly.
Who gets it? Wilson disease is caused by two recessive genes called ATP7B genes. Many people who get it do not have a family history of it. You have a higher risk of getting this is one or two of your parents have Wilson disease.
Symptoms When you have Wilson disease some symptoms can be: Fatigue Easily bruising Swelling of liver or spleen A copper circle in your eye
More Symptoms There are also some neurologic symptoms: problems with speech, swallowing, or physical coordination tremors or uncontrolled movements muscle stiffness behavioral changes
How do we treat it? To treat it there are medicines that assist the liver with releasing copper from the body. Unfortunately the worst side effect of these drugs are more severe neurologic symptoms in some patients.
Points to Remember! Wilson disease prevents the body from disposing of extra copper. Wilson disease first attacks the liver, the central nervous system, or both. Wilson disease requires lifelong treatment to reduce and control the amount of copper in the body. If the disorder is detected early and treated effectively, people with Wilson disease can enjoy good health.