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Wilson's disease

Wilson’s disease is a genetic disorder characterised by an accumulation of copper firstly within the liver and subsequently in the brain and other tissues. This results in neurological symptoms and liver disease. The condition usually begins with a pre-symptomatic period in which copper accumulation in the liver causes subclinical hepatitis. Wilson’s disease normally becomes clinically apparent in the teenage years or in the twenties, though symptomatic patients have presented as young as 3 or as old as 60 years of age.

The liver manifestations of Wilson’s disease tend to occur earlier and may be of almost any variety and severity. Neurological manifestations present as movement disorders that can be quite difficult to differentiate from other neurological disorders.

Treating Wilson’s disease

With proper drug therapy, Wilson’s disease progression can be halted, and often symptoms can be improved. The treatment goal is to first remove the excess accumulated copper in the body and then to prevent its re-accumulation. Therapy must be life-long.

With proper treatment, Wilson's disease can be halted or symptoms can be reduced.

Recordati Rare Diseases is supporting the European Wilson’s disease registry and network in the development of information for patients and families. Information is available in several languages www.eurowilson.org

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