Wilson’s disease; What Does High Copper Levels in Blood Mean?

Complications of Wilson disease

Symptoms of Wilson disease can lead to severe complications if untreated or late diagnosis.

Let’s see complications of Wilson disease in a patient who didn’t receive early and proper treatment:

1) Acute liver failure

Rapid deterioration of liver function (80-90% of liver cells) leads to:

• Impaired brain functions (Hepatic encephalopathy)
• Bleeding tendency due to impaired synthesis of some coagulation factors
• Renal failure (reduced kidney function by less than 15%)

2) Liver cirrhosis

If we don’t treat the liver inflammation, the liver heals by fibrosis.

Patients with liver cirrhosis complain of ascites, jaundice, palmar erythema, spider nevi, and portal hypertension.

35-45% of patients with Wilson’s disease have cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.

3) End-stage liver disease

Untreated cirrhosis ends in liver failure. Liver cells are completely damaged, and the liver can’t maintain its vital functions. At this stage, liver transplantation is the only management option.