Wilson's Disease
What Causes Wilson's Disease?
In order to maintain good health, our body collects copper from foods we eat. Normally, the liver excretes extra copper the body doesn’t need into bile, a digestive juice made by the liver, but for people who have Wilson’s Disease, there is a decreased secretion of copper into the bile causing it to build up in the liver. After enough damage to the liver, the copper is released directly into the bloodstream which carries the copper throughout the body. If not treated, Wilson’s Disease can cause brain damage, liver failure and death.
References
American Liver Foundation “Wilson Disease” http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/wilson/. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Mayo Clinic “Wilson’s Disease” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wilsons-disease/DS00411. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Medline Plus “Wilson Disease” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/wilsondisease.html. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Medscape Today “Wilson’s Disease: Treatment and Management” http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543866_6. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Natural Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke “Wilson’s Disease” http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/wilsons/wilsons.htm. Retrieved March 10, 2011
Palmer, M.D., Melissa. Dr. Melissa Palmer’s Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease. New York: Avery Trade, 2004
Worman, M.D. Howard J. The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill, 2006