A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of Wilson disease: 2022 Practice Guidance on Wilson disease from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Exchangeable copper for patients with Wilson disease at follow-up: Rethinking normal ranges or changing methodology

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Determining suitable copper parameters for monitoring Wilson disease remains a topic of ongoing discussion. International recommendations currently rely on the combination of urinary copper excretion and nonspecific liver markers when considering therapy and time elapsed since diagnosis. The emergence of exchangeable copper (CuEX) as a novel measurement reflecting the "free copper pool" held promise as a valuable target to ensure metabolic stability during follow-up, although the validation of target ranges remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate CuEX quantification in repeated samples from 92 real-world patients with Wilson disease during a 2-year period.

APPROACH

Patients were classified as "stable" if a diagnosis had been made more than 1 year before and were compliant with stable anti-copper drug and dose. Otherwise, patients were classified as "nonstable."

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirteen CuEX samples were obtained per clinical practice. Overall, 57% of CuEX measurements fell below the reference "range of normality," whereas only 34% were within and 9% were above normal levels. There was no association of CuEX levels with therapy, elapsed time from diagnosis, or clinical stability, although most of the samples above normality corresponded to nonstable patients. Only 23.4% of the CuEX samples were aligned with data obtained from concomitant urinary copper excretion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that CuEX is a suboptimal tool for assessing copper homeostasis when used alone and should be used with caution if no additional information is available. Normal reference intervals for Wilson disease-treated patients should be redefined, as most CuEX quantifications fell in the lower range, with no sign of overtreatment in these patients.

Epidemiology of Wilson disease in Germany - real-world insights from a claims data study

BACKGROUND

Wilson disease (WD) is a rare disorder of copper metabolism, causing copper accumulation mainly in the liver and the brain. The prevalence of WD was previously estimated around 20 to 33.3 patients per million for the United States, Europe, and Asia, but data on the prevalence of WD in Germany are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To describe patient characteristics and to assess prevalence of WD in Germany using a representative claims database.

METHODS

WD patients were identified in the WIG2 (Wissenschaftliches Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Gesundheitssystemforschung; Scientific Institute for Health Economics and Health Systems Research) benchmark database of 4.5 million insured Germans by combining ICD-10-coding with WD-specific lab tests and treatments. The study period ranged from 2013 to 2016 for assessing patient characteristics, and to 2018 for prevalence, respectively.

RESULTS

Seventy unique patients were identified. Most patients (86%) were between 18 and 64 years of age and more often male (60%) than female. Two patients (3%) younger than 18 years were included, as well as 8 patients (11%) older than 64 years. Most common WD subtypes were hepatic (57%), psychiatric (49%), and neurologic (44%). Average prevalence was 20.3 patients per million (range: 17.8-24.4), with similar results for two-year prevalence. Generally, prevalence increased steadily over the study period. Observed mortality was low, with only one death during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds valuable real-world data on the prevalence and patient characteristics of WD in Germany. Generally, our findings align with other reports and contribute to the global understanding of WD epidemiology. Still, regional and temporal trends remain to be investigated more thoroughly to further the understanding of the natural history and epidemiology of this rare disease.

Total Copper and Labile Bound Copper Fraction as a Selective and Sensitive Tool in the Evaluation of Wilson Disease

BACKGROUND

A dual filtration-based method for determination of serum labile bound copper (LBC) and LBC fraction (LBC/total copper) was developed. Reduced total copper, elevated LBC, and elevated LBC fraction have been reported in Wilson disease (WD).

METHODS

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of these markers, samples were obtained from 21 WD treatment-naïve (WD-TN, no WD treatment or <28 days of treatment) patients, 46 WD standard-of-care-treated (WD-SOC) patients, along with 246 patients representing other potential disorders of copper status. These were then compared to 213 reference interval population patients.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic curves for the reference population vs WD-TN yielded areas under the curve for total copper, LBC, and LBC fraction, of 0.99, 0.81, and 0.98, respectively. Using Youden cutoffs, sensitivity/specificity for WD-TN was 95%/97% for total copper, 71%/85% for LBC, and 95%/94% for LBC fraction. LBC values, but not total copper and LBC fraction, differed substantially between WD-TN and WD-SOC cohorts.We propose a dual model wherein total copper and LBC fraction results must agree to be classified as a "positive" or "negative" result for WD. This correctly classified 19/21 WD-TN patients as positive, and 194/213 reference interval patients as negative. The remaining "indeterminate" patients (representing approximately 9% of the reference and the WD-TN populations) exhibited conflicting total copper and LBC fraction results. When indeterminate results are excluded, this model exhibited apparent 100% sensitivity/specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Agreement of total serum copper and LBC fraction classification may constitute an effective "rule-in" and "rule-out" assessment for WD-TN patients.

Editorial: Tracking the course of Wilson's disease

This article is linked to Burghart et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18060 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18203

Non-ceruloplasmin copper and urinary copper in clinically stable Wilson disease: Alignment with recommended targets

Background & Aims

Wilson disease (WD) is caused by accumulation of copper primarily in the liver and brain. During maintenance therapy of WD with D-penicillamine, current guidelines recommend on-treatment ranges of urinary copper excretion (UCE) of 200-500 μg/24 h and serum non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) of 50-150 μg/L. We compared NCC (measured by two novel assays) and UCE from patients with clinically stable WD on D-penicillamine therapy with these recommendations.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of data from the Chelate trial (NCT03539952) that enrolled physician-selected patients with clinically stable WD on D-penicillamine maintenance therapy (at an unaltered dose for at least 4 months). We analyzed laboratory samples from the first screening visit, prior to interventions. NCC was measured by either protein speciation (NCC-Sp) using anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography protein speciation followed by copper determination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy or as exchangeable copper (NCC-Ex). NCC-Sp was also analyzed in healthy controls (n = 75).

Results

In 76 patients with WD with 21.3±14.3 average treatment-years, NCC-Sp (mean±SD: 56.6±26.2 μg/L) and NCC-Ex (mean±SD: 57.9±24.7 μg/L) were within the 50-150 μg/L target in 61% and 54% of patients, respectively. In addition, 36% and 31%, respectively, were even below the normal ranges (NCC-Sp: 46-213 μg/L, NCC-Ex: 41-71 μg/L). NCC-Ex positively correlated with NCC-Sp (r2 = 0.66, p <0.001) but with systematic deviation. UCE was outside the 200-500 μg/24 h target range in 58%. Only 14/69 (20%) fulfilled both the NCC-Sp and UCE targets. Clinical or biochemical signs of copper deficiency were not detected.

Conclusion

Clinically stable patients with WD on maintenance D-penicillamine therapy frequently have lower NCC-Sp or higher UCE than current recommendations without signs of overtreatment. Further studies are warranted to identify appropriate target ranges of NCC-Sp, NCC-Ex and UCE in treated WD.

Impact and implications

Chelator treatment of patients with Wilson disease (WD) is currently guided by measurements of non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) and 24 h urinary copper excretion (UCE) but validation is limited. In 76 adults with ≈21 years history of treated WD and clinically stable disease on D-penicillamine therapy, NCC was commonly found to be below normal values and recommended target ranges whether measured by protein speciation (NCC-Sp) or as exchangeable copper (NCC-Ex), while UCE values were above the recommended target range in 49%. Common wisdom would suggest overtreatment in these cases, but no clinical or biochemical signs of copper deficiency were observed. Exploratory analysis of liver enzymes suggested that NCC below levels seen in controls may be beneficial, while the relation to UCE was less clear. The data calls for critical re-evaluation of target ranges for treatment of WD, specific for drug and laboratory methodology.

Clinical trial number

(NCT03539952).

Portal hypertension and its prognostic implications in patients with Wilson's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Wilson's disease may progress to cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). We aimed to assess the prevalence and prognostic impact of CSPH-related features on hepatic decompensation and transplant-free survival in patients with Wilson's disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

About 137 patients with Wilson's disease (Leipzig score ≥4), followed for a median observation period of 9.0 (3.9-17.7) years at the Vienna General Hospital, were included in this retrospective study. Overall, 49 (35.8%) developed features of CSPH: 14 (10.2%) varices, 40 (29.2%) splenomegaly, 20 (14.6%) ascites, 18 (13.1%) hepatic encephalopathy and 3 (2.2%) experienced acute variceal bleeding. Overall, 8 (5.8%) patients died, including three deaths caused by CSPH-related complications. Within 10 years, compensated patients with features of CSPH developed more decompensation events (8.3% vs. 1.5% in patients without CSPH, p = 0.3) and had worse transplant-free-survival (91.7% vs. 98.6%), which further declined in patients with hepatic decompensation (26.7%, log-rank: p < 0.0001). Patients with liver stiffness <15 kPa and normal platelets (≥150 G/L) were less likely to decompensate within 10 years (2.6% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.002) and had a better 10-year transplant-free-survival (97.7% vs. 83.9%, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Wilson's disease developing features of CSPH are at an increased risk for hepatic decompensation and liver-related mortality, warranting for regular screening and timely initiation of effective CSPH-directed treatments.

Characteristics of patients with Wilson disease in the United States: An insurance claims database study

BACKGROUND

Wilson disease (WD) is a progressive, potentially fatal degenerative disease affecting the liver and central nervous system. Given its low prevalence, collecting data on large cohorts of patients with WD is challenging. Comprehensive insurance claims databases provide powerful tools to collect retrospective data on large numbers of patients with rare diseases.

AIM

To describe patients with WD in the United States, their treatment and clinical outcome, using a large insurance claims database.

METHODS

This retrospective, longitudinal study was performed in the Clarivate Real-World Data Product database. All patients with ≥ 2 claims associated with an International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10) diagnostic code for WD (E83.01) between 2016 and 2021 were included and followed until death or study end. Patients were divided into two groups by whether or not they were documented to have received a specific treatment for WD. Clinical manifestations, hospitalisations, liver transplantation and death were documented.

RESULTS

Overall, 5376 patients with an ICD-10 diagnostic code for WD were identified. The mean age at inclusion was 41.2 years and 52.0% were men. A specific WD treatment was documented for 885 patients (15.1%), although the number of patients taking zinc salts may be underestimated due to over the counter purchase. At inclusion, the mean age of patients with a documented treatment was 36.6 ± 17.8 years vs 42.2 ± 19.6 years in those without a documented treatment. During follow-up, 273 patients (5.1%) died. Compared with the American general population, the standardised mortality ratio was 2.19. The proportion of patients with a documented WD-specific treatment who died during follow-up was 4.0% and the mean age at death 52.7 years.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated for WD in the United States had an excess early mortality compared with the American population. These findings indicate that there is a significant unmet need for effective treatment for WD in the United States.

Standard-Volume Is As Effective As High-Volume Plasma Exchange for Patients With Acute Liver Failure

Background/Aims

Acute liver failure (ALF) is associated with fatal outcomes without liver transplantation. Two randomized studies reported standard volume (SV) and high volume (HV) plasma exchange (PLEX) as effective therapeutic modalities for patients with ALF. However, no studies have compared the safety and efficacy of SV with HV PLEX, which we aimed to assess.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with ALF admitted between March 2021 and March 2023 who underwent PLEX. All patients underwent HV PLEX until May 2022, and then thereafter, SV PLEX was performed. The objectives of the study were to compare transplant-free survival (TFS) at 30 days, efficacy in reducing severity scores, biochemical variables, and adverse events between SV (total plasma volume x 1) and HV (total plasma volume x 1.5-2) PLEX.

Results

Forty two ALF patients (median age: 23.5 years; females: 57.1%; MELD Na: 34.67 ± 6.07; SOFA score- 5.24 ± 1.42) underwent PLEX. Of these, 22 patients underwent SV-PLEX, and 20 underwent HV-PLEX. The mean age, sex, etiology distribution, and severity scores were similar between the groups. The median number of PLEX sessions (2) was similar in both groups. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, TFS was 45.5% in SV group and 45% in HV group (P = 0.76). A comparable decline in total bilirubin, PT/INR, ammonia, and MELD Na scores was noted in both groups. The cumulative number of adverse events was similar between the HV group (77.3%) and SV group (54.5%; P = 0.12).

Conclusions

SV PLEX is safe and as effective as HV PLEX in patients with ALF. Further randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size are needed to validate these findings.

Changes in brain susceptibility in Wilson's disease patients: a quantitative susceptibility mapping study

AIM

To assess changes in the susceptibility of the caudate nucleus (CN), putamen, and globus pallidus (GP) in patients with neurological and hepatic Wilson's disease (WD) by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The brain MRI images of 33 patients diagnosed with WD and 20 age-matched controls were analysed retrospectively. All participants underwent brain T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and QSM imaging using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. QSM maps were evaluated with the STISuite toolbox. The quantitative susceptibility levels of the CN, putamen, and GP were analysed using region of interest analysis on QSM maps. Differences among neurological WD patients, hepatic patients, and controls were determined.

RESULTS

Susceptibility levels were significantly higher for all examined structures (CN, putamen and GP) in patients with neurological WD compared with controls (all p<0.05) and hepatic WD patients (all p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in susceptibility levels between patients with hepatic WD and controls (all p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The QSM technique is a valuable tool for detecting changes in brain susceptibility in WD patients, indicating abnormal metal deposition. Notably, the current findings suggest that neurological WD patients exhibit more severe susceptibility changes compared with hepatic WD patients. Therefore, QSM can be utilised as a complementary method to detect brain injury in WD patients.

A rare concomitance of Wilson's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus in a teenage girl: a case report and literature review

Background

Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder characterized by impaired biliary excretion of copper and excessive copper accumulation in multiple organs, primarily leading to hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. The coexistence of WD and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has rarely been reported, posing challenges in accurately diagnosing these two conditions because of overlapping clinical symptoms.

Case presentation

We presented the case of a 17-year-old girl initially suspected of having SLE due to positive anti-nuclear antibodies and lupus anticoagulants, decreased platelet count, hypocomplementemia, and pleural effusion. However, the patient also exhibited an unusual manifestation of decompensated liver cirrhosis, which is not typical of SLE. Further investigation revealed low serum ceruloplasmin levels, high 24-h urine copper levels, the presence of Kayser-Fleischer rings, and a compound heterozygous mutation in the ATP7B gene, confirming the diagnosis of WD.

Conclusion

The co-occurrence of WD and SLE poses a significant diagnostic challenge, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Therefore, in patients with well-controlled SLE presenting with unexplained liver fibrosis, neurological involvement, or psychiatric symptoms, it is crucial to consider the possibility of WD. However, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Late-onset Wilson Disease in a Patient Followed-up for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

A 73-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for persistent liver dysfunction. When the patient was 45 years old, her youngest sister had been diagnosed with Wilson disease (WD). The patient therefore underwent several family screening tests, all of which were unremarkable. She had an annual medical checkup and was diagnosed with liver dysfunction and fatty liver at 68 years old. A liver biopsy and genetic testing were performed, and she was diagnosed with WD; chelation therapy was then initiated. In patients with hepatic disorders and a family history of WD, multiple medical examinations should be conducted, as the development of WD is possible regardless of age.

Treating the Neurologic Manifestations of Wilson's Disease With Liver Transplantation

Wilson's Disease (WD) manifests with systemic and neuropsychiatric symptoms, caused by an ATP7B genetic mutation, leading to an accumulation of copper. Presentations are diverse and the diagnosis should be considered in anyone under 50 with a new onset movement disorder. Early recognition and treatment can limit morbidity. While liver transplantation (LT) is recommended in WD patients with hepatic failure, its use for pure neurologic indication remains controversial. We present a patient who failed medical management and underwent LT for pure neurologic indications. Subsequent neurologic symptom improvement supports the use of LT for patients with pure neurologic manifestations of WD.

ATP7B Gene Variant Profile İdentified by NGS in Wilson's Disease

Background: Wilson's disease (WD) is a copper metabolism disorder caused by ATP7B gene mutations and shows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. We aimed to contribute to the mutation profile of ATP7B and show demographic and phenotypic differences in this study. Materials and methods: The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who underwent ATP7B gene sequence analysis using next-generation sequencing were evaluated to improve genotype-phenotype correlation in WD. Results: An uncertain significance (D563N) and seven likely pathogenic (Y532D, Y715Y, T977K, K1028*, E1086K, A1227Pfs*103, and E1242K) variants were identified as associated with WD. Uniparental disomy was detected in one case. Conclusion: Our work expanded the ATP7B variant spectrum and pointed to clinical heterogeneity in ATP7B variants among patients with WD. All symptomatic patients had hepatic involvement and were clinically and/or genetically diagnosed with WD in the pediatric period. T977K, A1003V, H1069Q, E1086K, and N1270S variants were associated with hepatic failure.

Development of a Liver Disease-Specific Large Language Model Chat Interface using Retrieval Augmented Generation

Background

Large language models (LLMs) have significant capabilities in clinical information processing tasks. Commercially available LLMs, however, are not optimized for clinical uses and are prone to generating incorrect or hallucinatory information. Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is an enterprise architecture that allows embedding of customized data into LLMs. This approach "specializes" the LLMs and is thought to reduce hallucinations.

Methods

We developed "LiVersa," a liver disease-specific LLM, by using our institution's protected health information (PHI)-complaint text embedding and LLM platform, "Versa." We conducted RAG on 30 publicly available American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines and guidance documents to be incorporated into LiVersa. We evaluated LiVersa's performance by comparing its responses versus those of trainees from a previously published knowledge assessment study regarding hepatitis B (HBV) treatment and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance.

Results

LiVersa answered all 10 questions correctly when forced to provide a "yes" or "no" answer. Full detailed responses with justifications and rationales, however, were not completely correct for three of the questions.

Discussions

In this study, we demonstrated the ability to build disease-specific and PHI-compliant LLMs using RAG. While our LLM, LiVersa, demonstrated more specificity in answering questions related to clinical hepatology - there were some knowledge deficiencies due to limitations set by the number and types of documents used for RAG. The LiVersa prototype, however, is a proof of concept for utilizing RAG to customize LLMs for clinical uses and a potential strategy to realize personalized medicine in the future.

Distribution of non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper after i.v. 64Cu injection studied with PET/CT in patients with Wilson disease

Background & Aims

In Wilson disease (WD), copper accumulation and increased non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper in plasma lead to liver and brain pathology. To better understand the fate of non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper, we used PET/CT to examine the whole-body distribution of intravenously injected 64-copper (64Cu).

Methods

Eight patients with WD, five heterozygotes, and nine healthy controls were examined by dynamic PET/CT for 90 min and static PET/CT up to 20 h after injection. We measured 64Cu activity in blood and tissue and quantified the kinetics by compartmental analysis.

Results

Initially, a large fraction of injected 64Cu was distributed to extrahepatic tissues, especially skeletal muscle. Thus, across groups, extrahepatic tissues accounted for 45-58% of the injected dose (%ID) after 10 min, and 45-55% after 1 h. Kinetic analysis showed rapid exchange of 64Cu between blood and muscle as well as adipose tissue, with 64Cu retention in a secondary compartment, possibly mitochondria. This way, muscle and adipose tissue may protect the brain from spikes in non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper. Tiny amounts of cerebral 64Cu were detected (0.2%ID after 90 min and 0.3%ID after 6 h), suggesting tight control of cerebral copper in accordance with a cerebral clearance that is 2-3-fold lower than in muscle. Compared to controls, patients with WD accumulated more hepatic copper 6-20 h after injection, and also renal copper at 6 h.

Conclusion

Non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper is initially distributed into a number of tissues before being redistributed slowly to the eliminating organ, the liver. Cerebral uptake of copper is extremely slow and likely highly regulated. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of copper control.

Impact and implications

Maintaining non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper within the normal range is an important treatment goal in WD as this "free" copper is considered toxic to the liver and brain. We found that intravenously injected non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper quickly distributed to a number of tissues, especially skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and the liver, while uptake into the brain was slow. This study offers new insights into the mechanisms of copper control, which may encourage further research into potential new treatment targets.

Clinical trial number

2016-001975-59.

Therapeutic implications of impaired nuclear receptor function and dysregulated metabolism in Wilson's disease

Copper is an essential trace element that is required for the activity of many enzymes and cellular processes, including energy homeostasis and neurotransmitter biosynthesis; however, excess copper accumulation results in significant cellular toxicity. The liver is the major organ for maintaining copper homeostasis. Inactivating mutations of the copper-transporting P-type ATPase, ATP7B, result in Wilson's disease, an autosomal recessive disorder that requires life-long medicinal therapy or liver transplantation. Current treatment protocols are limited to either sequestration of copper via chelation or reduction of copper absorption in the gut (zinc therapy). The goal of these strategies is to reduce free copper, redox stress, and cellular toxicity. Several lines of evidence in Wilson's disease animal models and patients have revealed altered hepatic metabolism and impaired hepatic nuclear receptor activity. Nuclear receptors are transcription factors that coordinate hepatic metabolism in normal and diseased livers, and several hepatic nuclear receptors have decreased activity in Wilson's disease and Atp7b-/- models. In this review, we summarize the basic physiology that underlies Wilson's disease pathology, Wilson's disease animal models, and the possibility of targeting nuclear receptor activity in Wilson's disease patients.

Neurological worsening in Wilson disease - clinical classification and outcome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Prevention of neurological worsening (NW) under therapy is an unmet need in the management of Wilson disease (WD). In this study, we aimed to characterize the occurrence, associated outcomes and potential reversibility of NW in WD.

METHODS

From a total cohort of 457 patients with WD, 128 patients with WD and neurological features at any time point (all Caucasian, 63 females, median age at diagnosis 22 years) were identified by chart review at University Hospital Heidelberg and grouped according to initial presentation. The timing and occurrence of NW was assessed following a structured clinical examination during clinical visits.

RESULTS

Early NW (within the first 3 months of therapy) was observed in 30 out of 115 (26.1%) patients with neurological or mixed presentation and never in patients with a purely hepatic or asymptomatic presentation (0%). Late NW (after >12 months) was seen in a further 23 (20%) with neurological or mixed presentation and in 13 out of 294 (4.4%) patients with a hepatic or asymptomatic presentation. The median time from start of treatment to late NW was 20 months. Only three patients experienced NW between 3 and 12 months. NW was observed with D-penicillamine, trientine and zinc therapy and was reversible in 15/30 (50%) with early NW and in 29/36 (81%) with late NW.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified two peaks in NW: an early (≤3 months) treatment-associated peak and a late (>12 months of treatment) adherence-associated peak. Early paradoxical NW was attributed to treatment initiation and pre-existing neurological damage, and was not observed in those with a hepatic or asymptomatic presentation. Late NW is likely to be associated with non-adherence.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

In patients with Wilson disease, defined as an excess accumulation of copper which can damage the liver, brain and other vital organs, neurological worsening can occur despite chelation therapy. The study identifies different patterns of 'early' (<3 months) vs. 'late' (>12 months) neurological worsening in relation to initiation of chelation therapy and establishes possible causes and the potential for reversibility. These data should be useful for counseling patients and for guiding the optimal management of chelation therapy.

[Hereditary Liver Diseases: Wilson's Disease and Hemochromatosis]

Wilson's disease and HFE-hemochromatosis are autosomal-recessively inherited metabolic diseases of the liver. Copper overload in case of Wilson's disease and iron overload in case of hemochromatosis lead to organ damage of the liver and other organs. In order to diagnose these diseases at an early stage and introduce therapy, knowledge of the symptoms and diagnostic criteria of these diseases is important. Iron overload in hemochromatosis patients is treated with phlebotomies and copper overload in Wilson's disease patients with either chelating medications (D-penicillamine or trientine) or zinc salts. After introduction of lifelong therapy both diseases typically have a favorable disease course and further development of organ-damage can be prevented, especially with respect to liver-damage.

Wilson disease: a summary of the updated AASLD Practice Guidance

Wilson disease (WD) is caused by autosomal variants affecting the ATP7B gene on chromosome 13, resulting in alterations in physiological copper homeostasis and copper accumulation. Excess copper clinically manifests in many organs, most often in the central nervous system and liver, ultimately causing cirrhosis and death. Often considered a pediatric or young adult disease, WD actually affects patients of all ages, and aging patients need to be regularly managed with long-term follow-up. Despite over a century of advances in diagnosis and treatment, WD is still associated with diagnostic challenges and considerable disability and death, in part due to delays in diagnosis and limitations in treatment. Standard-of-care treatments are considered generally effective when the diagnosis is timely but are also limited by efficacy, safety concerns, multiple daily dosing, and adherence. This expert perspective review seeks to facilitate improvements in the awareness, understanding, diagnosis, and management of WD. The objectives are to provide a full overview of WD and streamline updated diagnosis and treatment guidance, as recently published by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, in a practical way for clinical use.

Medical care of patients with Wilson disease in Germany: a multidisciplinary survey among university centers

BACKGROUND

Wilson disease (WD) is a rare, hereditary disorder of copper metabolism. Due to its variable symptoms and manifestations, diagnosis remains challenging. Affected patients must obtain lifelong medical treatment, as the disease is fatal if untreated. Patients require continuous monitoring, but little is known about the care of these patients in Germany. Therefore, we analyzed the medical care of WD patients at German university centers. We sent a questionnaire containing 20 questions to a total of 108 departments of pediatrics, neurology and gastroenterology in 36 university hospitals. Our questions referred to the characteristics of WD patients at the different sites and internal procedures regarding diagnosis, therapy and follow-up. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-three departments (58%) returned our questionnaire. In total, approximately one-third of the estimated WD patients in Germany are seen annually in the outpatient clinics of these departments (approx. 950 patients). There are only a few departments which treat patients in a multidisciplinary setting (12%). Our survey revealed that for diagnosis, 51% of all departments used an algorithm based on the Leipzig score as recommended by international guidelines. Most departments apply essential parameters recommended by WD guidelines. Routine monitoring is performed at least biannually by 84% of the departments, and standard investigations for monitoring are regularly applied. A routine family screening is performed by 84% of all departments. A reduction in medical therapy during pregnancy is recommended by 46% of the departments. Only 14% suggested that WD patients should not breastfeed. Liver transplantation (LT) due to WD is a rare but repeatedly occurring event. Most departments of gastroenterology (72%) reported at least one patient with LT within the last decade.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical care of WD patients at German university centers follows the recommendations set forth by international guidelines, but only a few centers treat significant numbers of patients. The surveillance of patients does not follow specified standards, but most departments adhere to the accepted guidelines. The formation of central units and networks in a multidisciplinary setting should be evaluated to improve the care of WD patients.

Wilson Disease: Uncommon but Not to Be Forgotten

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations of ATP7B, a copper transporter, which results in impaired copper clearance. Its clinical manifestations are varied and can result in a mix of hepatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We present the case of a 26-year-old female with a past medical history of alcohol use who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain with associated vomiting, jaundice, and fatigue. She was found to have signs and symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis and was initially concerned about superimposed alcoholic hepatitis. With low ceruloplasmin and alkaline phosphatase, the suspicion for WD remained, and the patient underwent liver transplantation due to her worsening clinical status. The quantitative hepatic copper content of the explanted liver was elevated, and genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of WD. Our case highlights the importance of including WD in the differential of a young patient with severe liver disease, and it highlights the utility of the phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth) test as a marker for chronic severe alcohol use. In patients with a significant alcohol use history, the diagnosis of WD should still be considered for those with reasonable clinical suspicion.

Presence of pseudo-Kayser-Fleischer rings in patients without Wilson disease: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Kayser-Fleischer (KF) rings are due to copper deposition in Descemet membrane of the cornea in Wilson disease. Pseudo-KF ring (PKF), seen in patients with high bilirubin, is often misinterpreted as KF rings. These are bilirubin deposits in posterior corneal stroma. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the presence of KF and PKF rings in Wilson disease and non-Wilsonian liver disease with serum bilirubin >5 mg/dL.

METHODS

All patients referred from the hepatology unit with serum bilirubin >5 mg/dL were assessed by slit-lamp examination (SLE) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months for differences in corneal deposits between KF and PKF rings. All other clinical, laboratory, radiological, genetic, and tissue diagnoses by liver biopsy were done as required to confirm the cause of liver disease.

RESULTS

Among the 750 patients examined, corneal deposits were present in 13%, KF rings as granular deposits in 31.7%, and PKF as a posterior stromal hue in 68.3% of cases. PKF rings showed regression in 60%, disappearance in 36.6% at 3 months, and in 100% of cases at 6 months. KF ring showed regression in 10.7% and 8.3% until 6 months. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography identified KF ring as a hyperintense line on Descemet membrane in an additional 9.7% of patients compared with a scattered hyperintense hue in PKF rings.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of PKF rings in patients with jaundice is not uncommon and should be differentiated from true KF rings. Serial monitoring is essential to look for resolution, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography may be additionally helpful.

Application of attenuation coefficient in the assessment of hepatic involvement in children and adolescents with Wilson's disease

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether the attenuation coefficient (ATT) can be used as a noninvasive index to assess liver involvement in children and adolescents with Wilson's disease (WD).

METHODS

Children and adolescents diagnosed with WD were retrospectively collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of the Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between May 2022 and August 2022. The findings on ATT, Shear Wave Measurement (SWM), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) score were obtained. The liver involvement of WD was classified into 3 groups based on serum levels of collagen type IV (CIV), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN) and precollagen type III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP): (1) Group1 (n = 25), no abnormalities in CIV, HA, LN and PIIINP; (2) Group2 (n = 19), elevation of 1 or 2 indexes in CIV, HA, LN, and PIIINP; Group3 (n = 18), elevation of 3 or 4 indicators in CIV, HA, LN, and PIIINP. The levels of ATT, SWM, APRI and FIB-4 were compared between the 3 groups; and correlation of ATT with SWM and triglyceride (TG) was performed using Spearman's correlation analysis. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of ATT alone and its combination with SWM, APRI, and FIB-4 in children and adolescents with WD.

RESULTS

A total of 62 children and adolescents with WD were retrospectively retrieved. ATT levels were significantly different in intergroup comparisons (P < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis using ATT was 0.714, 0.712 and 0.867 in Group 1 versus Group 2, Group 2 versus Group 3, and Group 1 versus Group 3, respectively; the sensitivity for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in Group 1 versus Group 2 was 89.47% with the cutoff value of ATT of 0.73 dB/cm/MHz. No significant correlation found between ATT and TG (ρ = 0.154, P = 0.231). Compared to ATT alone, the combination of ATT with APRI and FIB-4 or the combination of ATT with SWM, APRI, and FIB-4 showed a better diagnostic efficacy in Group 1 versus Group 2 (both P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

ATT could be used as a non-invasive index for the evaluation of liver steatosis in children and adolescents with WD, with a good clinical applicative value. Furthermore, ATT in combination with APRI, FIB-4, and SWM might have better diagnostic efficacy than ATT alone.