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Ferrarese A, Cazzagon N, Burra P. Liver transplantation for Wilson disease: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00405. [PMID: 38899966 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation currently represents a therapeutic option for patients with Wilson disease presenting with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure. Indeed, it has been associated with excellent postoperative survival curves in view of young age at transplant and absence of recurrence. Attention has shifted over the past decades to a wise expansion of indications for liver transplantation. Evidence has emerged supporting the transplantation of carefully selected patients with primarily neuropsychiatric symptoms and compensated cirrhosis. The rationale behind this approach is the potential for surgery to improve copper homeostasis and consequently ameliorate neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, several questions remain unanswered, such as how to establish thresholds for assessing pretransplant neuropsychiatric impairment, how to standardize preoperative neurological assessments, and how to define postoperative outcomes for patients meeting these specific criteria. Furthermore, a disease-specific approach will be proposed both for the liver transplant evaluation of candidates with Wilson disease and for patient care during the transplant waiting period, highlighting the peculiarities of this systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferrarese
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Nora Cazzagon
- Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
- Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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2
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Menon J, Vij M, Sachan D, Rammohan A, Shanmugam N, Kaliamoorthy I, Rela M. Pediatric metabolic liver diseases: Evolving role of liver transplantation. World J Transplant 2021; 11:161-179. [PMID: 34164292 PMCID: PMC8218348 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v11.i6.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic liver diseases (MLD) are the second most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) in children. This is based on the fact that the majority of enzymes involved in various metabolic pathways are present within the liver and LT can cure or at least control the disease manifestation. LT is also performed in metabolic disorders for end-stage liver disease, its sequelae including hepatocellular cancer. It is also performed for preventing metabolic crisis’, arresting progression of neurological dysfunction with a potential to reverse symptoms in some cases and for preventing damage to end organs like kidneys as in the case of primary hyperoxalosis and methyl malonic acidemia. Pathological findings in explant liver with patients with metabolic disease include unremarkable liver to steatosis, cholestasis, inflammation, variable amount of fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The outcome of LT in metabolic disorders is excellent except for patients with mitochondrial disorders where significant extrahepatic involvement leads to poor outcomes and hence considered a contraindication for LT. A major advantage of LT is that in the post-operative period most patients can discontinue the special formula which they were having prior to the transplant and this increases their well-being and improves growth parameters. Auxiliary partial orthotopic LT has been described for patients with noncirrhotic MLD where a segmental graft is implanted in an orthotopic position after partial resection of the native liver. The retained native liver can be the potential target for future gene therapy when it becomes a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagadeesh Menon
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mukul Vij
- Department of Pathology, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Deepti Sachan
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashwin Rammohan
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Naresh Shanmugam
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohamed Rela
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India
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3
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Fulminant Wilson Disease in Children: Recovery After Plasma Exchange Without Transplantation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020; 71:720-725. [PMID: 32804913 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 2005, a New Wilson Index (NWI) ≥11 is used as a predictor of death without transplantation in fulminant Wilson disease (WD). Plasma exchange is advocated as a new treatment modality. METHODS We present a patient with fulminant WD treated with plasma exchange. All published cases applying plasma exchange for fulminant WD were reviewed systematically. RESULTS A 14-year-old girl presented with hemolysis and fulminant liver failure. She had no encephalopathy; NWI was 14. As a bridge to transplantation plasma exchange was started immediately. Complete remission was achieved with plasma exchange and later chelation therapy with D-penicillamine. She is now at 3-year transplant-free survival. Literature review identified 37 patients presenting with fulminant WD and NWI ≥11 who were treated with plasma exchange. Seventeen of these patients (ie, 46%) recovered without transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Multiple case reports and case series demonstrate transplant free survival after plasma exchange and subsequent chelation therapy, despite a NWI ≥11. Plasma exchange affects the clinical course and is a therapeutic option in children and young adults presenting with fulminant WD.
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4
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Liu L, Gong Q, Liu J, Shen H, Zhang H, Xue Y. Plasma transfusion combined with chelating therapy alleviates fulminant Wilson's disease with a single Arg778Leu heterozygote mutation. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:393-396. [PMID: 31010795 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD), resulting from homozygote and compound heterozygote mutations in ATB7B, is an autosomal recessive disease. WD associated acute liver failure (ALF) is fatal, and a revised Wilson's disease prognostic index (RWPI) >11 is a reliable indication of liver transplantation (LT) or artificial liver support (ALS). We described a WD patient who initially presented with ALF and severe hemolytic anemia. A single heterozygote c.2333G>T mutation (p. Arg778Leu, R778L) in ATP7B was screened by whole exome sequencing and validated by Sanger sequencing. Rapid diagnostic criteria (ALP/TBIL <4 and AST/ALT >2.2) are suitable for early diagnosis. Although the RWPI amounted to 15, the patient recovered after intermittent plasma transfusion and subsequent chelating therapy without LT or ALS. In conclusion, WD patients with a single R778L heterozygote mutation can present with ALF as the initial clinical manifestation, and intermittent plasma transfusion combined with chelating therapy may alleviate fulminant WD without LT or ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longgen Liu
- Institute of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China; Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Qing Gong
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Hongyu Shen
- Institute of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China; Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Institute of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China; Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Institute of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China; Department of Liver Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China.
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5
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Padmanabhan A, Connelly-Smith L, Aqui N, Balogun RA, Klingel R, Meyer E, Pham HP, Schneiderman J, Witt V, Wu Y, Zantek ND, Dunbar NM, Schwartz GEJ. Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice - Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Eighth Special Issue. J Clin Apher 2019; 34:171-354. [PMID: 31180581 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 772] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis (TA) in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor in order to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Eighth Edition, like its predecessor, continues to apply the category and grading system definitions in fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was introduced in the Fourth Edition, has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of TA in a specific disease entity or medical condition. The Eighth Edition comprises 84 fact sheets for relevant diseases and medical conditions, with 157 graded and categorized indications and/or TA modalities. The Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue seeks to continue to serve as a key resource that guides the utilization of TA in the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Padmanabhan
- Medical Sciences Institute & Blood Research Institute, Versiti & Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Laura Connelly-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance & University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicole Aqui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rasheed A Balogun
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Reinhard Klingel
- Apheresis Research Institute, Cologne, Germany & First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erin Meyer
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT/Pathology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Huy P Pham
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer Schneiderman
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Neuro-oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Volker Witt
- Department for Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yanyun Wu
- Bloodworks NW & Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nicole D Zantek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nancy M Dunbar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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6
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Kido J, Matsumoto S, Sakamoto R, Mitsubuchi H, Inomata Y, Nakamura K. Recovery of severe acute liver failure without transplantation in patients with Wilson disease. Pediatr Transplant 2018; 22:e13292. [PMID: 30368998 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is a disorder of copper metabolism that leads to liver cirrhosis. WD patients with a NWIS > 11 should receive LT; however, we encountered 2 WD patients with an NWIS > 11 who recovered from ALF without LT. The present report aimed to analyze cases of WD patients with a high NWIS who recovered from severe ALF and to discuss the clinical manifestations of the patients and the effects of treatments, including zinc (Zn) therapy, chelator therapy, PE, CHDF, and LT. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of five patients (male, 2; female, 3) diagnosed with WD along with severe ALF. In cases 1, 2, and 3, complete recovery from ALF was noted without LT. In case 4, initial recovery from ALF was noted without LT; however, ALF worsened owing to bleeding from the esophageal varix. Thus, the patient eventually needed LT. In case 5, recovery from ALF was noted with LT. All cases, except case 2, showed ALF with maximum PELD/MELD scores ≥26 and NWISs ≥ 11, and had indications for LT. In cases of severe ALF with grade I or II encephalopathy, we recommend evaluations of the effects of Zn and chelator treatments while preparing for LT, as the condition may not improve without LT, and pediatricians or physicians can ask transplant surgeons to perform LT urgently if required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Kido
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shirou Matsumoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rieko Sakamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan.,Department of Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mitsubuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Inomata
- Department of Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan.,Labor Welfare Corporation, Kumamoto Rosai Hospital, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan
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7
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Kathawala M, Hirschfield GM. Insights into the management of Wilson's disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2017; 10:889-905. [PMID: 29147139 PMCID: PMC5673017 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x17731520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease is a rare, inherited autosomal recessive disease of copper metabolism, in which the causative gene, ATP7B, results in absent or reduced function of the ATP7B transporter important for biliary excretion of copper and incorporation of copper into caeruloplasmin. Affected patients accumulate excessive copper within the liver, brain and other tissues. A disease mainly of children, adolescents and young adults; clinical features vary from the asymptomatic state to chronic liver disease, acute liver failure, and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and is based on a combination of clinical signs, biochemical tests, hepatic copper content assay and mutation analysis of the ATP7B gene; to date, there are more than 500 mutations of ATP7B in patients with Wilson's disease. Early recognition and treatment can result in an excellent prognosis whereas untreated disease is almost always fatal. Drug therapies include chelating agents, such as penicillamine or trientine, and zinc salts. Liver transplantation is curative correcting the underlying pathophysiology and is traditionally indicated in acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease refractory to medical therapy. This review provides an overview of various aspects of Wilson's disease including molecular basis of the disease, clinical features, diagnostic and management strategies with their current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohmadshakil Kathawala
- Centre for Liver Research, NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Schwartz J, Padmanabhan A, Aqui N, Balogun RA, Connelly-Smith L, Delaney M, Dunbar NM, Witt V, Wu Y, Shaz BH. Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice-Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Seventh Special Issue. J Clin Apher 2017; 31:149-62. [PMID: 27322218 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating, and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the Committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Seventh Edition, like its predecessor, has consistently applied the category and grading system definitions in the fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was used since the fourth edition has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of therapeutic apheresis in a specific disease entity. The Seventh Edition discusses 87 fact sheets (14 new fact sheets since the Sixth Edition) for therapeutic apheresis diseases and medical conditions, with 179 indications, which are separately graded and categorized within the listed fact sheets. Several diseases that are Category IV which have been described in detail in previous editions and do not have significant new evidence since the last publication are summarized in a separate table. The Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue serves as a key resource that guides the utilization of therapeutic apheresis in the treatment of human disease. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:149-162, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Schwartz
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Anand Padmanabhan
- Blood Center of Wisconsin, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Nicole Aqui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rasheed A Balogun
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Laura Connelly-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Meghan Delaney
- Bloodworks Northwest, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nancy M Dunbar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Volker Witt
- Department for Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yanyun Wu
- Bloodworks Northwest, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Beth H Shaz
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,New York Blood Center, Department of Pathology.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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9
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Harada M. Management for acute liver failure of Wilson disease: Indication for liver transplantation. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:281-282. [PMID: 27061913 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Harada
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
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10
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Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving and curative treatment for Wilson disease (WD), providing restoration of function of the liver and mitigation of portal hypertension. Indications for LT in patients with WD include acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease not treatable by medical therapy. LT is also used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma when it develops in patients with WD when tumor resection is not feasible. LT solely for neurologic or psychiatric WD remains controversial. Living liver donation as well as cadaveric orthotopic and auxiliary LT are options for transplantation for WD. Outcomes for LT for WD are excellent, and supportive measures while awaiting transplantation help bridge the patient to a more successful outcome. Future hepatocyte or stem cell transplantation may augment or supplant current LT for WD.
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11
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Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. J Clin Apher 2016; 31:163-202. [PMID: 27322219 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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Rodriguez-Castro KI, Hevia-Urrutia FJ, Sturniolo GC. Wilson’s disease: A review of what we have learned. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2859-2870. [PMID: 26692151 PMCID: PMC4678372 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i29.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson’s disease (WD), which results from the defective ATP7B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic liver disease with or without cirrhosis, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. A high grade of suspicion is warranted to not miss cases of WD, especially less florid cases with only mild elevation of transaminases, or isolated neuropsychiatric involvement. Screening in first and second relatives of index cases is mandatory, and treatment must commence upon establishment of diagnosis. Treatment strategies include chelators such as D-penicillamine and trientine, while zinc salts act as inductors of methallothioneins, which favor a negative copper balance and a reduction of free plasmatic copper. As an orphan disease, research is lacking in this field, especially regarding therapeutic strategies which are associated with better patient compliance and which could eventually also reverse established injury.
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