Monitoring copper in Wilson's disease.
Monitoring copper metabolism in patients with Wilson's disease is not an exact science. At present, there are no simple methods of estimating the total body load of this metal. Indirect methods must therefore be used. A survey of the current literature shows that most approaches rely on the determination of blood and urine copper concentration. Both these should decrease with treatment. In parallel with decreased copper concentration, there should be subsequent improvement in more routine laboratory tests including liver and renal function, blood count parameters, and clotting factors. Lack of compliance is revealed by a reversal of this trend. This chapter critically reviews current testing methods and describes other approaches that may be helpful.
Department of Neurology, The Middlesex Hospital, London, United Kingdom. penicillamine@waitrose.com
J M
JM
Walshe
D003300:Copper / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans
D003300:Copper