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Wilson Disease
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Points to Remember
- Wilson disease prevents the body from getting rid of extra copper.
- Wilson disease first attacks the liver, the central nervous system, or both.
- Anyone with unexplained liver disease or neurologic symptoms with evidence of liver disease should be screened for Wilson disease.
- 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.
Hope Through Research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports Wilson disease research.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating a new anti-copper drug called tetrathiomolybdate (Coprexa). A National Institutes of Health-supported clinical trial found tetrathiomolybdate to be as effective as trientine hydrochloride in removing copper but with less risk of worsening neurologic symptoms.
For More Information About Wilson's Disease
Wilson's Disease Association International
1802 Brookside Drive Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 1-888-264-1450 or 330-264-1450
Email: info@wilsonsdisease.org
Internet: www.wilsonsdisease.org
American Liver Foundation
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603
New York, NY 10038-4810
Phone: 1-800-GO-LIVER (465-4837) or 212-668-1000
Fax: 212-483-8179
Email: info@liverfoundation.org
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
July 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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