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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