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Litwin T, Dusek P, Antos A, Członkowska A, Bembenek J. Tackling the neurological manifestations in Wilson's disease - currently available treatment options. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1249-1259. [PMID: 37842984 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2268841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wilson's disease (WD) is a potentially treatable, inherited disorder resulting from impaired copper metabolism. Pathological copper accumulation causes a range of symptoms, most commonly hepatic and a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms including tremor, dystonia, chorea, parkinsonism, dysphagia, dysarthria, gait and posture disturbances. To reduce copper overload, anti-copper drugs are used that improve liver function and neurological symptoms in up to 85% of patients. However, in some WD patients, treatment introduction leads to neurological deterioration, and in others, neurological symptoms persist with no improvement or improvement only after several years of treatment, severely affecting the patient's quality of life. AREAS COVERED This review appraises the evidence on various pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, neurosurgical procedures and liver transplantation for the management of neurological WD symptoms. The authors also discuss the neurological symptoms of WD, causes of deterioration and present symptomatic treatment options. EXPERT OPINION Based on case and series reports, current recommendations and expert opinion, WD treatment is focused mainly on drugs leading to negative copper body metabolism (chelators or zinc salts) and copper-restricted diet. Treatment of WD neurological symptoms should follow general recommendations of symptomatic treatment. Patients should be always considered individually, especially in the case of severe, disabling neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Dusek
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Agnieszka Antos
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Bembenek
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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Bulmer JM, Ewers C, Drinnan MJ, Ewan VC. Evaluation of Spontaneous Swallow Frequency in Healthy People and Those With, or at Risk of Developing, Dysphagia: A Review. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2021; 7:23337214211041801. [PMID: 34604459 PMCID: PMC8481724 DOI: 10.1177/23337214211041801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysphagia is a common and frequently undetected complication of many neurological disorders and of sarcopoenia in ageing persons. Spontaneous swallowing frequency (SSF) has been mooted as a possible tool to classify dysphagia risk. We conducted a review of the literature to describe SSF in both the healthy population and in disease-specific populations, in order to consider its utility as a screening tool to identify dysphagia. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Metadata were extracted, collated and analysed to give quantitative insight. Three hundred and twelve articles were retrieved, with 19 meeting inclusion and quality criteria. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 = 99%). Mean SSF in healthy younger sub-groups was 0.98/min [CI: 0.67; 1.42]. In the Parkinson's sub-group, mean SSF was 0.59/min [0.40; 0.87]. Mean SSF in healthy older, higher risk and dysphagic populations were similar (0.21/min [0.09; 0.52], 0.26/min [0.10; 0.72] and 0.30/min [0.16; 0.54], respectively). SSF is a novel, non-invasive clinical variable which warrants further exploration as to its potential to identify persons at risk of dysphagia. Larger, well-conducted studies are needed to develop objective, standardised methods for detecting SSF, and develop normative values in healthy populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Bulmer
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Caroline Ewers
- City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Michael J Drinnan
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Dusek P, Litwin T, Członkowska A. Neurologic impairment in Wilson disease. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:S64. [PMID: 31179301 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.02.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurologic symptoms in Wilson disease (WD) appear at an older age compared to hepatic symptoms and manifest in patients with misdiagnosed liver disease, in patients when the hepatic stage is clinically silent, in the case of non-compliance with anti-copper treatment, or with treatment failure. Neurologic symptoms in WD are caused by nervous tissue damage that is primarily a consequence of extrahepatic copper toxicity. Copper levels in brain tissues as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are diffusely increased by a factor of 10 and its toxicity involves various mechanisms such as mitochondrial toxicity, oxidative stress, cell membrane damage, crosslinking of DNA, and inhibition of enzymes. Excess copper is initially taken-up and buffered by astrocytes and oligodendrocytes but ultimately causes dysfunction of blood-brain-barrier and demyelination. Most severe neuropathologic abnormalities, including tissue rarefaction, reactive astrogliosis, myelin palor, and presence of iron-laden macrophages, are typically present in the putamen while other basal ganglia, thalami, and brainstem are usually less affected. The most common neurologic symptoms of WD are movement disorders including tremor, dystonia, parkinsonism, ataxia and chorea which are associated with dysphagia, dysarthria and drooling. Patients usually manifest with various combinations of these symptoms while purely monosymptomatic presentation is rare. Neurologic symptoms are largely reversible with anti-copper treatment, but a significant number of patients are left with residual impairment. The approach for symptomatic treatment in WD is based on guidelines for management of common movement disorders. The vast majority of WD patients with neurologic symptoms have abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pathologic MRI changes include T2 hyperintensities in the basal ganglia, thalami and white matter, T2 hypointensities in the basal ganglia, and atrophy. Most importantly, brain damage and neurologic symptoms can be prevented with an early initiation of anti-copper treatment. Introducing population WD screening, e.g., by exome sequencing genetic methods, would allow early treatment and decrease the neurologic burden of WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Dusek
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Członkowska
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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Shribman S, Warner TT, Dooley JS. Clinical presentations of Wilson disease. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:S60. [PMID: 31179297 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.04.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The main presenting features of Wilson disease, many of which mimic common hepatic and neurologic disorders, are discussed. There is a need for specialists in these and related fields to be aware of hints from within and, more importantly, outside their area of expertise that should alert them to consider the diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis and treatment are potentially damaging for the patient. The importance of recognising and promptly investigating Wilson disease at the initial presentation should be understood by all those who assess patients with hepatic or neurologic disorders and/or train others in their specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Shribman
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Thomas T Warner
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - James S Dooley
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
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Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessively-inherited disorder of copper metabolism and characterised by a pathological accumulation of copper. The ATP7B gene encodes for a transmembrane copper transporter essential for biliary copper excretion. Depending on time of diagnosis, severity of disease can vary widely. Almost all patients show evidence of progressive liver disease. Neurological impairments or psychiatric symptoms are common in WD patients not diagnosed during adolescence. WD is a treatable disorder, and early treatment can prevent the development of symptoms in patients diagnosed while still asymptomatic. This is why the early diagnosis of WD is crucial. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, abnormal measures of copper metabolism and DNA analysis. Available treatment includes chelators and zinc salts which increase copper excretion and reduce copper uptake. In severe cases, liver transplantation is indicated and accomplishes a phenotypic correction of the hepatic gene defect. Recently, clinical development of the new copper modulating agent tetrathiomolybdate has started and direct genetic therapies are being tested in animal models. The following review focuses especially on biochemical markers and how they can be utilised in diagnosis and drug monitoring.
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Członkowska A, Litwin T, Dusek P, Ferenci P, Lutsenko S, Medici V, Rybakowski JK, Weiss KH, Schilsky ML. Wilson disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2018; 4:21. [PMID: 30190489 PMCID: PMC6416051 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-018-0018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a potentially treatable, inherited disorder of copper metabolism that is characterized by the pathological accumulation of copper. WD is caused by mutations in ATP7B, which encodes a transmembrane copper-transporting ATPase, leading to impaired copper homeostasis and copper overload in the liver, brain and other organs. The clinical course of WD can vary in the type and severity of symptoms, but progressive liver disease is a common feature. Patients can also present with neurological disorders and psychiatric symptoms. WD is diagnosed using diagnostic algorithms that incorporate clinical symptoms and signs, measures of copper metabolism and DNA analysis of ATP7B. Available treatments include chelation therapy and zinc salts, which reverse copper overload by different mechanisms. Additionally, liver transplantation is indicated in selected cases. New agents, such as tetrathiomolybdate salts, are currently being investigated in clinical trials, and genetic therapies are being tested in animal models. With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is good; however, an important issue is diagnosing patients before the onset of serious symptoms. Advances in screening for WD may therefore bring earlier diagnosis and improvements for patients with WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Członkowska
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Dusek
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Ferenci
- Internal Medicine 3, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Svetlana Lutsenko
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valentina Medici
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Janusz K Rybakowski
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karl Heinz Weiss
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael L Schilsky
- Section of Digestive Diseases and Transplantation and Immunology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Członkowska A, Litwin T, Chabik G. Wilson disease: neurologic features. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 142:101-119. [PMID: 28433096 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63625-6.00010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, which presents as a spectrum of neurologic manifestations that includes tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, dystonia, chorea, dysarthria, and dysphagia, together with a combination of neurologic symptoms that can easily lead to misdiagnosis. An early diagnosis of WD, and appropriate anticopper treatment, usually leads to a marked improvement in patient health. Conversely, delayed diagnosis can result in persistent pathology, which, left untreated, can ultimately prove lethal. The aim of this chapter is to present a detailed description of the neurologic features of WD, including their evaluation, together with relevant ophthalmologic examinations, brain neuroimaging, and other laboratory measurements that show the extent of the involvement of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Chabik
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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Litwin T, Dušek P, Członkowska A. Symptomatic treatment of neurologic symptoms in Wilson disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 142:211-223. [PMID: 28433105 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63625-6.00018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a potentially treatable neurodegenerative disorder. In the majority of cases, treatment with drugs that induce a negative copper balance (usually chelators or zinc salts) leads to improvements in liver function and neurologic signs. However, some patients show severe neurologic symptoms at diagnosis, such as tremor, dystonia, parkinsonism, and chorea. In this patient group, some neurologic deficits may persist despite adequate treatment, and further neurologic deterioration may be observed after treatment initiation. Such patients may require additional treatment to alleviate neurologic symptoms. Apart from general recommendations for WD anticopper treatment, there are currently no guidelines for managing neurologic symptoms in WD. The aim of this chapter is to summarize possible treatments of neurologic symptoms in WD based on the presently available medical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Dušek
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Neuroradiology, University Medicine Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland.
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Litwin T, Dusek P, Czlonkowska A. Neurological manifestations in Wilson’s disease –possible treatment options for symptoms. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1188003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Litwin
- II Department of Neurology, Institute Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Dusek
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Medicine Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anna Czlonkowska
- II Department of Neurology, Institute Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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