Wilson’s Disease is a hereditary metabolic disorder that usually appears between the ages of six and twenty years.
Normally, our intestines absorb copper from foods. Through liver function and metabolism, that copper is released into the bile, (bile is a liquid which assists us in our digestion).
A person with Wilson’s Disease has a deficiency in that release of copper from the liver. In other words, the copper builds up in the liver, and is not released into the bile. Eventually, if Wilson’s Disease is left untreated, the liver is damaged by this build-up of copper, allowing the copper to be directly released into the bloodstream where it can seriously affect other organs. The copper buildup could lead to damage of the kidneys, brain, and eyes.

One of the most characteristic signs of Wilson’s Disease is the presence of Kayser-Fleischer Rings—a rusty brown ring around the cornea of the eye (copper deposits) that can be seen upon an eye exam. Wilson's Disease can easily be diagnosed through tests that measure the amount of copper in the blood, urine, and liver.

Wilson’s Disease is a serious medical condition which must be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. If a timely diagnosis is made, treatment consists of modification of diet and use of certain medication and vitamin/mineral supplements. If a healthcare provider fails to promptly diagnose and correctly treat Wilson’s Disease, severe brain damage, liver failure or death could occur.

Blume Goldfaden attorneys and medical staff have the ability to review medical records to determine if there were any shortcomings in the diagnosis and treatment of Wilson’s and other diseases. Please contact us for a no cost consultation and review of medical documentation.

For further information on Wilson’s Disease please click here and here.