Abstract
Copper toxity in liver, brain, kidney due to a congenital failure of the copper biliary excretion mechanism in the liver is the nain problem in patients with M. Wilson. Oral zinc sulphate as sole treatment has been used succesfully for seven years as an alternative therapy for D-Penicillamin (D-P) which has sometimes serious side effects.
A comparison of both forms of treatment was done in 2 sets of children with M.Wilson. Quantitative balance studies were performed using a standardized hospital diet and identical food portions frozen for analysis. All fecal and urinary excretions were sampled each day for a seven day period.
Separately an oral 64-Cu test was done to measure copper uptake, and a single test dose of D-P given to determine copper excretion. Symptoms were absent and liver functions normal in all patients at time of the study.
Conclusion: oral zinc treatment for M.Wilson in children is effective by blocking the intestinal uptake of copper.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bouquet, J., Sinaasappel, M., van den Hamer, C. et al. 35 THE EVALUATION OF TREATMENT WITH ORAL ZINC FOR WILSON'S DISEASE. Pediatr Res 24, 411 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198809000-00058
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198809000-00058