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Gunasekaran PK, Saini AG, Sankhyan N, Attri SV. Evaluation and Comparison of Scales for Neurological Assessment in Indian Children with Neuro-Wilson Disease. Indian J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12098-024-05220-z. [PMID: 39060843 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-024-05220-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Gunasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Arushi Gahlot Saini
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Naveen Sankhyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Savita Verma Attri
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
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Moura J, Pinto C, Freixo P, Alves H, Ramos C, Santos Silva E, Nery F, Gandara J, Lopes V, Ferreira S, Presa J, Ferreira JM, Miranda HP, Magalhães M. Correlation between neuroimaging, neurological phenotype, and functional outcomes in Wilson's disease. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:3201-3208. [PMID: 38291197 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07371-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wilson's disease (WD) is associated with a variety of movement disorders and progressive neurological dysfunction. The aim of this study was to correlate baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features with clinical phenotype and long-term outcomes in chronically treated WD patients. METHODS Patients were retrospectively selected from an institutional database. Two experienced neuroradiologists reviewed baseline brain MRI. Functional assessment was performed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) scale, and disease severity was classified using the Global Assessment Scale for Wilson's Disease (GASWD). RESULTS Of 27 patients selected, 14 were female (51.9%), with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at onset of 19.5 (7.1) years. Neurological symptoms developed in 22 patients (81.5%), with hyperkinetic symptoms being the most common (70.4%). Baseline brain MRI showed abnormal findings in 18 cases (66.7%), including T2 hyperintensities in 59.3% and atrophy in 29.6%. After a mean (SD) follow-up of 20.9 (11.0) years, WD patients had a mean score of 19.2 (10.2) on WHODAS 2.0 and 6.4 (5.7) on GASWD. The presence of hyperkinetic symptoms correlated with putaminal T2 hyperintensities (p = 0.003), putaminal T2 hypointensities (p = 0.009), and mesencephalic T2 hyperintensities (p = 0.009). Increased functional disability was associated with brain atrophy (p = 0.007), diffusion abnormalities (p = 0.013), and burden of T2 hyperintensities (p = 0.002). A stepwise regression model identified atrophy as a predictor of increased WHODAS 2.0 (p = 0.023) and GASWD (p = 0.007) scores. CONCLUSIONS Atrophy and, to a lesser extent, deep T2 hyperintensity are associated with functional disability and disease severity in long-term follow-up of WD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Moura
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Largo Do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Pinto
- Department of Neuroradiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Freixo
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Alves
- Porto Institute of Social Work (ISSSP), Porto, Portugal
- INESC TEC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ramos
- Department of Neuroradiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ermelinda Santos Silva
- Department of Paediatric Gastrenterology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Nery
- Department of Hepatic and Pancreatic Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Judit Gandara
- Department of Hepatic and Pancreatic Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vitor Lopes
- Department of Hepatic and Pancreatic Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Ferreira
- Department of Hepatic and Pancreatic Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Presa
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Ferreira
- Department of Gastrenterology, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Pessegueiro Miranda
- Department of Hepatic and Pancreatic Transplantation, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Magalhães
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Largo Do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
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Yang Y, Wang GA, Fang S, Li X, Ding Y, Song Y, He W, Rao Z, Diao K, Zhu X, Yang W. Decoding Wilson disease: a machine learning approach to predict neurological symptoms. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1418474. [PMID: 38966086 PMCID: PMC11223572 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1418474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Wilson disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the ATP7B gene. Neurological symptoms are one of the most common symptoms of WD. This study aims to construct a model that can predict the occurrence of neurological symptoms by combining clinical multidimensional indicators with machine learning methods. Methods The study population consisted of WD patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2021 to September 2023 and had a Leipzig score ≥ 4 points. Indicators such as general clinical information, imaging, blood and urine tests, and clinical scale measurements were collected from patients, and machine learning methods were employed to construct a prediction model for neurological symptoms. Additionally, the SHAP method was utilized to analyze clinical information to determine which indicators are associated with neurological symptoms. Results In this study, 185 patients with WD (of whom 163 had neurological symptoms) were analyzed. It was found that using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) to predict achieved good performance, with an MCC value of 0.556, ACC value of 0.929, AUROC value of 0.835, and AUPRC value of 0.975. Brainstem damage, blood creatinine (Cr), age, indirect bilirubin (IBIL), and ceruloplasmin (CP) were the top five important predictors. Meanwhile, the presence of brainstem damage and the higher the values of Cr, Age, and IBIL, the more likely neurological symptoms were to occur, while the lower the CP value, the more likely neurological symptoms were to occur. Conclusions To sum up, the prediction model constructed using machine learning methods to predict WD cirrhosis has high accuracy. The most important indicators in the prediction model were brainstem damage, Cr, age, IBIL, and CP. It provides assistance for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gang-Ao Wang
- School of Information and Artificial Intelligence, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuzhen Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yufeng Ding
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuqi Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhihong Rao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Diao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- School of Information and Artificial Intelligence, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenming Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Health and Medicine Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Xin'An Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Karantzoulis S, Heuer K, Sparling N, Meltzer B, Teynor M. Exploring the Content Validity of the Unified Wilson Disease Rating Scale: Insights from Qualitative Research. Adv Ther 2024; 41:2070-2082. [PMID: 38573483 PMCID: PMC11052881 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02833-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wilson disease (WD) is a rare metabolic disorder of impaired copper transport manifesting in hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms. To evaluate the clinical symptoms of WD in clinical trials, a group of clinicians created the Unified Wilson Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS). Content validity of this scale has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content validity of the UWDRS Part II from the patient perspective. METHODS This study utilized multiple qualitative research methods including concept elicitation interviews, concept/instrument mapping, and cognitive debriefing interviews. RESULTS Concept elicitation interviews with a sample of patients with WD and one or more neurological signs/symptoms identified several signs, symptoms, and impacts related to neurological dysfunction, strengthening our understanding of the importance of the neurological aspects of the WD patient experience. Mapping neurological concepts to Part II and III items of the UWDRS showed complete coverage of all salient neurological concepts and near complete coverage of all neurological concepts reported by patients in concept elicitation interviews. Item debriefing of Part II of the UWDRS revealed that patients generally found the items clear and personally relevant to their experience with WD. CONCLUSION Overall, the findings from this study provide evidence for the content validity of the UWDRS Part II and supportive evidence for the content validity of Part III. The UWDRS should be used in conjunction with additional clinical outcomes assessments, specifically those evaluating the hepatic and psychiatric signs/symptoms of WD, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the WD patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karli Heuer
- IQVIA, 600 Lexington Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA
| | - Nicole Sparling
- IQVIA, 600 Lexington Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA
| | - Brian Meltzer
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, 121 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Megan Teynor
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, 121 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
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Dooley JS. The history of Wilson disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0238. [PMID: 38974753 PMCID: PMC11227348 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
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Ryan A, Twomey PJ, Cook P. Wilson's disease: best practice. J Clin Pathol 2023:jcp-2022-208551. [PMID: 37045587 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder arising from pathogenic variants in the Atp7b gene on chromosome 13. The defective translated ATPase copper (Cu) transport protein produced leads to Cu accumulation, initially affecting the liver but eventually affecting other cells. It is just over 20 years since the last Best Practice on this topic in this journal. This review is an update on this, covering new disease biomarkers, pathogenesis, assumptions around clinical features and developments in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Ryan
- Chemical Pathology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland, Cork University Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory, Cork, Ireland
- Pathology, School of Medicine, University College Cork College of Medicine and Health, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick J Twomey
- Clinical Chemistry, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University College Dublin School of Medicine and Medical Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Cook
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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Wang Y, Xuan H, Zhao T, Li X, Li S, Hu W. A study of linear measurement and clinical correlation of brain atrophy in Wilson's disease. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1142082. [PMID: 37056963 PMCID: PMC10086176 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1142082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to explore the clinical relevance of linear measures of Wilson's disease (WD). Methods Relative values of brain atrophy in 30 patients with WD and 30 healthy volunteers were measured and compared using a manual measurement method. Linear measurement indicators of brain atrophy in patients with and without mental disorders were also compared. In addition, correlations of patients' age, disease duration, and Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) scores with brain atrophy indicators were determined. Results The results showed that the e-value, Huckman number, Evans index, and lateral ventricular body index were higher in the WD group compared with the control group. The age of patients with WD was negatively correlated with the k-value and significantly positively correlated with the brainstem index. WD duration was prominently positively correlated with the d-value and negatively correlated with the j-value. In addition, neurological function scores were significantly positively correlated with the c-value, e-value, caudate nucleus index, Huckman number, Evans index, and lateral ventricular body index. By contrast, patients with psychiatric symptoms had a higher a-value and fourth ventricular index than those without psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion Therefore, it can be concluded that patients with WD and those with psychiatric symptoms have more severe brain atrophy compared to normal subjects. The patient's age, disease duration, and neurological function scores were positively correlated with the severity of brain atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxia Xuan
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, Hongda Hospital, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Tun Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shujuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Hu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Jopowicz A, Tarnacka B. Neurological Wilson's Disease Signs-Hepatic Encephalopathy or Copper Toxicosis? Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050893. [PMID: 36900037 PMCID: PMC10001333 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive (AR) disorder resulting from mutations in the ATP7B gene, which is responsible for the encryption of transmembrane copper transporting ATPase. The symptomatic presentation of the disease is estimated to be about 1 in 30,000. The impairment of ATP7B function results in a copper overload in hepatocytes, which further leads to liver pathology. This copper overload also occurs in other organs, most particularly in the brain. This could then cause the occurrence of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Symptoms differ substantially and most often occur between the ages of 5 and 35 years. Early symptoms are commonly hepatic, neurological, or psychiatric. While disease presentation is most often asymptomatic, it could also range as far as to include fulminant hepatic failure, ataxia, and cognitive disorders. Various treatments are available for Wilson's disease, including chelation therapy and zinc salts, which can reverse copper overload through different mechanisms. In select cases, liver transplantation is recommended. New medications, such as tetrathiomolybdate salts, are currently being investigated in clinical trials. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, prognosis is favorable; however, diagnosing patients before the onset of severe symptoms is a significant concern. Early screening for WD could help in diagnosing patients earlier and improving treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jopowicz
- Department of Rehabilitation, Eleonora Reicher National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Beata Tarnacka
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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Han H, Zhao D, Fang X, Yang W, Wang M, Liu Q, Wang L, Ji Z, Zhang J, Hou Z, Hua L, Wang Y, Wu L. A retrospective cohort study: vaccination status and safety analysis of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with Wilson's disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:1185-1195. [PMID: 38010939 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2288630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare hepatic and neurological disorder, which can dramatically worsen by traumatic injuries, surgeries, and infections. No studies have reported safety data of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination in WD patients. We aimed to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status and post-vaccination adverse events in WD patients. METHODS This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study. We investigated the vaccination rates, the type of vaccine, subjective reasons for non-vaccination, and the adverse events following vaccination. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between vaccination status and increased Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) scores. RESULTS A total of 554 WD patients with a mean (SD) age of 25.3 (10.85) years were included in this study, of whom 336 (60.6%) were males and 218 (39.4%) were females. 368 (66.4%) patients received at least one dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.186 (33.6%) patients were unvaccinated. Logistic regression analysis showed that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was not significantly associated with increased UWDRS scores. The safety analysis demonstrated that 21.2% had post-vaccination adverse events. CONCLUSIONS In this study, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was safe in WD patients, providing evidence for the safety of vaccination in WD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Han
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinru Fang
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenming Yang
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengli Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianzhuo Liu
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Ji
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifeng Hou
- Neurology Department, Anhui integrated traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Hua
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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Munk DE, Björklund J, Lund Laursen T, Vilstrup H, Ott P, Grønbæk H, Damgaard Sandahl T. The galactose elimination capacity test to monitor liver disease course in patients with Wilson's disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:589-594. [PMID: 34994677 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.2024248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of Wilson's disease (WD) has changed radically since the introduction of medical therapy with chelators and zinc. However, there is an unmet need for methods to evaluate the long-term treatment response and the liver disease progression in order to identify treatment failures. The galactose elimination capacity test (GEC) is a physiological measure of the total metabolic capacity of the liver, and a strong predictor of long- and short-term mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our aim was to investigate if the GEC test is useful for evaluation of treatment response and prediction of treatment failures in WD patients. METHODS We included all patients with WD in Denmark from 1992 through 2017 and retrieved data on GEC along with data on transplantation and death. RESULTS In total, 37 patients had completed one or more GEC tests. Of these, 31 were alive (three transplanted) and six were dead (two transplanted). A total of 24 patients had completed more than one GEC test. All 18 alive, nontransplanted patients showed improvement in GEC values following onset of treatment, except one patient, who was clinically confirmed with treatment failure. All six patients who underwent liver transplantation or died had a prior decline in their GEC. The difference in GEC development between patients alive and not transplanted and patients dead or transplanted was significant (p < .001). Index GEC values could not predict transplantation or death (p = .26). CONCLUSION The GEC test is a promising tool for monitoring treatment response and identifying treatment failures in patients with WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Emilie Munk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jessica Björklund
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Shribman S, Bocchetta M, Sudre CH, Acosta-Cabronero J, Burrows M, Cook P, Thomas DL, Gillett GT, Tsochatzis EA, Bandmann O, Rohrer JD, Warner TT. Neuroimaging correlates of brain injury in Wilson's disease: a multimodal, whole-brain MRI study. Brain 2022; 145:263-275. [PMID: 34289020 PMCID: PMC8967100 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease is an autosomal-recessive disorder of copper metabolism with neurological and hepatic presentations. Chelation therapy is used to 'de-copper' patients but neurological outcomes remain unpredictable. A range of neuroimaging abnormalities have been described and may provide insights into disease mechanisms, in addition to prognostic and monitoring biomarkers. Previous quantitative MRI analyses have focused on specific sequences or regions of interest, often stratifying chronically treated patients according to persisting symptoms as opposed to initial presentation. In this cross-sectional study, we performed a combination of unbiased, whole-brain analyses on T1-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted and susceptibility-weighted imaging data from 40 prospectively recruited patients with Wilson's disease (age range 16-68). We compared patients with neurological (n = 23) and hepatic (n = 17) presentations to determine the neuroradiological sequelae of the initial brain injury. We also subcategorized patients according to recent neurological status, classifying those with neurological presentations or deterioration in the preceding 6 months as having 'active' disease. This allowed us to compare patients with active (n = 5) and stable (n = 35) disease and identify imaging correlates for persistent neurological deficits and copper indices in chronically treated, stable patients. Using a combination of voxel-based morphometry and region-of-interest volumetric analyses, we demonstrate that grey matter volumes are lower in the basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem, cerebellum, anterior insula and orbitofrontal cortex when comparing patients with neurological and hepatic presentations. In chronically treated, stable patients, the severity of neurological deficits correlated with grey matter volumes in similar, predominantly subcortical regions. In contrast, the severity of neurological deficits did not correlate with the volume of white matter hyperintensities, calculated using an automated lesion segmentation algorithm. Using tract-based spatial statistics, increasing neurological severity in chronically treated patients was associated with decreasing axial diffusivity in white matter tracts whereas increasing serum non-caeruloplasmin-bound ('free') copper and active disease were associated with distinct patterns of increasing mean, axial and radial diffusivity. Whole-brain quantitative susceptibility mapping identified increased iron deposition in the putamen, cingulate and medial frontal cortices of patients with neurological presentations relative to those with hepatic presentations and neurological severity was associated with iron deposition in widespread cortical regions in chronically treated patients. Our data indicate that composite measures of subcortical atrophy provide useful prognostic biomarkers, whereas abnormal mean, axial and radial diffusivity are promising monitoring biomarkers. Finally, deposition of brain iron in response to copper accumulation may directly contribute to neurodegeneration in Wilson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Shribman
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Martina Bocchetta
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Carole H Sudre
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London WC1V 6LJ, UK
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | | | - Maggie Burrows
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
| | - Paul Cook
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - David L Thomas
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3AR, UK
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Godfrey T Gillett
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health and Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Oliver Bandmann
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Thomas T Warner
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 1PJ, UK
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Ott P, Ala A, Askari FK, Czlonkowska A, Hilgers R, Poujois A, Roberts EA, Sandahl TD, Weiss KH, Ferenci P, Schilsky ML. Designing Clinical Trials in Wilson's Disease. Hepatology 2021; 74:3460-3471. [PMID: 34320232 PMCID: PMC9291486 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by ATP7B gene mutations leading to pathological accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. Adoption of initial treatments for WD was based on empirical observations. These therapies are effective, but there are still unmet needs for which treatment modalities are being developed. An increase of therapeutical trials is anticipated. APPROACH AND RESULTS The first Wilson Disease Aarhus Symposium (May 2019) included a workshop on randomized clinical trial design. The authors of the article were organizers or presented during this workshop, and this article presents their consensus on the design of clinical trials for WD, addressing trial population, treatment comparators, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and treatment endpoints. To achieve adequate recruitment of patients with this rare disorder, the study groups should include all clinical phenotypes and treatment-experienced as well as treatment-naïve patients. CONCLUSIONS The primary study endpoint should be clinical or a composite endpoint until appropriate surrogate endpoints are validated. Standardization of clinical trials will permit pooling of data and allow for better treatment comparisons, as well as reduce the future numbers of patients needed per trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and GastroenterologyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Aftab Ala
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyThe Royal Surrey NHS Foundation TrustGuildfordUnited Kingdom,Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom,Institute of Liver StudiesKing’s College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Anna Czlonkowska
- Second Department of NeurologyInstitute of Psychiatry and NeurologyWarsawPoland
| | | | - Aurélia Poujois
- Neurology Department and National Reference Centre for Wilson’s DiseaseRothschild Foundation HospitalParisFrance
| | - Eve A. Roberts
- Departments of Paediatrics, Medicine, and Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Karl Heinz Weiss
- Salem Medical CenterHeidelbergGermany,Department of Internal MedicineIV at University Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Peter Ferenci
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael L. Schilsky
- Departments of Medicine and SurgeryYale University Medical CenterNew HavenCTUSA
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Blink reflex in newly diagnosed and treated patients with Wilson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:1873-1880. [PMID: 34669020 PMCID: PMC8571127 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal blink reflex (BR) results mainly from the dysfunction of reticular brainstem pathways and is one of the features of degenerative brain disorders. We aimed to investigate whether patients with Wilson’s disease (WD) have abnormal BR. This was a prospective, observational, single-center study. BR was assessed in accordance with generally accepted standards in 44 newly diagnosed treatment-naïve and 66 treated patients with WD. Any abnormal parameters in BR were observed in 45.5% treatment-naïve patients and 37.9% treated patients (p = 0.429). We also did not observe significant differences in BR parameters and frequency of abnormal findings between treated and treatment naïve patients. Abnormal findings in any of the BR parameters were more frequent in patients with neurological vs. non-neurological presentation (57.5 vs. 28.6%, p = 0.002), present vs. absent Kayser–Fleischer ring (73 vs. 21.5%, p < 0.001), and typical vs. no typical WD abnormalities in brain MRI (50% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.009). In addition, longer median R1 and R2 latencies, both ipsilateral and contralateral, were significantly more frequent in neurological than non-neurological WD patients, those with Kayser–Fleischer rings, and those with abnormal MRI findings typical of WD. Our results confirm frequent BR abnormalities in WD, which may be explained by the pathological influence of copper deposits in the circuit linking the basal ganglia, cerebellum and brainstem.
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Yuan XZ, Li GY, Chen JL, Li JQ, Wang XP. Paramagnetic Metal Accumulation in the Deep Gray Matter Nuclei Is Associated With Neurodegeneration in Wilson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:573633. [PMID: 33041766 PMCID: PMC7525019 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.573633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathological studies have revealed copper and iron accumulation in the deep gray matter (DGM) nuclei of patients with Wilson’s disease (WD). However, the association between metal accumulation and neurodegeneration in WD has not been well studied in vivo. The study was aimed to investigate whether metal accumulation in the DGM was associated with the structural and functional changes of DGM in neurological WD patients. Methods Seventeen neurological WD patients and 20 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Mean bulk susceptibility values and volumes of DGM were obtained from quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Regions of interest including the head of the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, thalamus, substantia nigra, red nucleus, and dentate nucleus were manually segmented. The susceptibility values and volumes of DGM in different groups were compared using a linear regression model. Correlations between susceptibility values and volumes of DGM and Unified Wilson’s Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) neurological subscores were investigated. Results The susceptibility values of all examined DGM in WD patients were higher than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Volume reductions were observed in the head of the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, thalamus, and substantia nigra of WD patients (P < 0.001). Susceptibility values were negatively correlated with the volumes of the head of the caudate nucleus (rp = −0.657, P = 0.037), putamen (rp = −0.667, P = 0.037), and thalamus (rp = −0.613, P = 0.046) in WD patients. UWDRS neurological subscores were positively correlated with the susceptibility values of all examined DGM. The susceptibility values of putamen, head of the caudate nucleus, and dentate nucleus could well predict UWDRS neurological subscores. Conclusion Our study provided in vivo evidence that paramagnetic metal accumulation in the DGM was associated with DGM atrophy and neurological impairment. The susceptibility of DGM could be used as a biomarker to assess the severity of neurodegeneration in WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Zhen Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gai-Ying Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Lin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Qi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Abstract
This article reviews scales that have been developed for, validated in, and/or frequently used across multiple movement disorders with a focus on assessment of motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease. Rating scales used in other disease states include those for essential tremor, dystonia (generalized dystonia, cervical dystonia, and blepharospasm), Tourette syndrome, Huntington disease, tardive dyskinesia, Wilson disease, ataxia, and functional movement disorders. Key features of each scale as well as cited criticisms and limitations of each scale are also discussed. Lastly, the article briefly discusses the emerging role of digital assessment tools (both wearable devices and digital interface applications).
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Tarakad
- Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge Street Suite 9A, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Porlas RV, de Castillo LLC, Dioquino CPC. Neurologic Wilson disease: case series on a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2019. [PMID: 30936772 PMCID: PMC6436958 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2018.20.4/rporlas] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Wilson disease is a rare genetic disease causing pathologic deposition of copper in the liver, brain, cornea, kidney, and cardiac muscles. Presented are two cases of neurologic Wilson disease with progressive movement disorder and Kayser-Fleischer rings with low serum copper, low ceruloplasmin, and increased 24-hour urine copper against a background of normal transaminases. Cranial imaging revealed symmetric basal ganglia hyperintensities in T2/FLAIR. More often than not, these cases go unnoticed and misdiagnosed because of its rarity and varied presentation. Extensive workup is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. As for management, the earlier the intervention is initiated, the better prognosis would be for recovery. There are several treatment options which should be tailored to every patient with neurologic Wilson disease. Neurologic Wilson disease is considered as a copper toxicity; immediate diagnostic evaluation and early treatment initiation is a must.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeo V Porlas
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila
| | - Lennie Lynn C de Castillo
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila
| | - Carissa Paz C Dioquino
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila; National Poison Management and Control Center, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
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17
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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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18
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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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Porlas Jr RV. Neurologic Wilson disease: case series on a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018; 20:341-345. [PMID: 30936772 PMCID: PMC6436958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Wilson disease is a rare genetic disease causing pathologic deposition of copper in the liver, brain, cornea, kidney, and cardiac muscles. Presented are two cases of neurologic Wilson disease with progressive movement disorder and Kayser-Fleischer rings with low serum copper, low ceruloplasmin, and increased 24-hour urine copper against a background of normal transaminases. Cranial imaging revealed symmetric basal ganglia hyperintensities in T2/FLAIR. More often than not, these cases go unnoticed and misdiagnosed because of its rarity and varied presentation. Extensive workup is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. As for management, the earlier the intervention is initiated, the better prognosis would be for recovery. There are several treatment options which should be tailored to every patient with neurologic Wilson disease. Neurologic Wilson disease is considered as a copper toxicity; immediate diagnostic evaluation and early treatment initiation is a must.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeo V. Porlas Jr
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila
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20
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Członkowska A, Litwin T, Dzieżyc K, Karliński M, Bring J, Bjartmar C. Characteristics of a newly diagnosed Polish cohort of patients with neurological manifestations of Wilson disease evaluated with the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:34. [PMID: 29621974 PMCID: PMC5887239 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilson disease is a rare genetic disorder in which impaired copper excretion results in toxic copper levels and tissue damage. Manifestations are primarily hepatic and/or neuropsychiatric, with a variety of neurological phenotypes. The aim of this study was to characterize neurological signs of Wilson disease in newly diagnosed patients and to determine whether they correlated with disability, liver function, and copper metabolism. METHODS Fifty-three treatment-naïve patients recently diagnosed with Wilson disease who exhibited neurological symptoms were included. Neurological manifestations were characterized by examination in terms of symptom type and degree of neurological impairment (Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale [UWDRS] Part III) and correlated with degree of disability (UWDRS Part II), abnormalities in copper parameters and hepatic status. RESULTS Most patients (62.3%) exhibited tremor and ataxia, whereas 15.1% were dystonic, and 11.3% had parkinsonism. Discrete or unclassified signs only were observed in 11.3% of patients. A good correlation between disability (UWDRS Part II) and neurological impairment (UWDRS Part III) was observed (Pearson r = 0.84). However, there was a lack of correlation when either disability or neurological impairment were analyzed with copper parameters or liver impairment. CONCLUSIONS The predominant neurological manifestations in this cohort of newly diagnosed Wilson disease patients were ataxia and tremor. Neurological impairment measured was highly correlated with the level of disability. However, hepatic manifestations of Wilson disease and copper levels did not appear to be correlated with neurological status and disability. These results highlight the challenges faced when assessing Wilson disease with its highly variable symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Członkowska
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02 957, 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, 02 957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Dzieżyc
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02 957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Karliński
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02 957, Warsaw, Poland
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Aggarwal A, Bhatt M. Advances in Treatment of Wilson Disease. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018. [PMID: 29520330 PMCID: PMC5840318 DOI: 10.7916/d841881d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder that results in excessive copper deposition in the liver and the brain, affecting children and young adults. Without treatment the disease is invariably fatal. Though treatments for WD have been available since the 1950s, the disease continues to be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality because of missed diagnosis, and delayed or inadequate treatment. In this paper we survey WD-related literature in order to review recent advances in WD treatment. Methods We performed a literature search using the PubMed database for articles relating to WD and its medical treatment. We reviewed the articles, and cross-references of relevant articles, to summarize the current practices for treatment of WD. Results The survey shows that if WD is properly treated, in most patients the liver can be stabilized, even severe neurological disability reversed, and patients can resume normal lives. Discussion Medical treatment for WD includes use of copper chelators (penicillamine, trientine, dimercaprol, dimercaptopropane sulfonate, and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate) and drugs that decrease gastrointestinal copper absorption. Our knowledge of the treatment approaches has benefited from the large systematic clinical studies that have been conducted over the last decade. For each drug used to treat WD, we surveyed its development, indication for use, dosing, efficacy, and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annu Aggarwal
- Wilson Disease Clinic, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Mohit Bhatt
- Wilson Disease Clinic, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, India
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