Wilson's Disease
Who is at Risk for Wilson's Disease?
Wilson’s Disease is an equal opportunity condition – meaning it doesn’t target a particular race or ethnicity and it affects both males and females. With about one in 40,000 people affected, only those individuals inheriting two mutant forms of the Wilson Disease gene, known as ATP7B, will have the disease. To develop the disease, you must inherit one defective gene from each parent. If you receive only one abnormal gene, you won't become ill yourself, but you're considered a carrier and can pass the gene to your children.
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