Orthotopic liver transplantation for Wilson's disease: a single-center experience

Wilson's Disease with Acute Hepatic Onset: How to Diagnose and Treat It

Wilson's disease (WD) with acute onset poses a diagnostic challenge because it is clinically indistinguishable from other acute liver diseases. In addition, serum ceruloplasmin and urinary copper excretion, the first-line diagnostic tools for WD, can show false positive results in the case of acute liver failure, and the diagnostic role of genetic analysis is limited by the time required to perform it. In the case of fulminant onset, there is a clear indication of liver transplantation. "New Wilson Index" is frequently used to discriminate between patients who need liver transplantation versus those who can be successfully managed by medical treatment, but its reliability remains controversial. Timely referral of patients with acute liver failure due to WD may be a key factor in improving patient survival. Although liver transplant very often represents the only chance for such patients, maximum effort should be made to promote survival with a native liver. The management of these aspects of WD is still a matter of debate and will be the subject of this review.

Monitoring of Copper in Wilson Disease

(1) Introduction: Wilson's disease (WND) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper (Cu) metabolism. Many tools are available to diagnose and monitor the clinical course of WND. Laboratory tests to determine disorders of Cu metabolism are of significant diagnostic importance. (2) Methods: A systematic review of the literature in the PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library databases was conducted. (Results): For many years, Cu metabolism in WND was assessed with serum ceruloplasmin (CP) concentration, radioactive Cu test, total serum Cu concentration, urinary copper excretion, and Cu content in the liver. The results of these studies are not always unambiguous and easy to interpret. New methods have been developed to calculate non-CP Cu (NCC) directly. New parameters, such as relative Cu exchange (REC), reflecting the ratio of CuEXC to total serum Cu, as well as relative Cu exchange (REC), reflecting the ratio of CuEXC to total serum Cu, have been shown to be an accurate tool for the diagnosis of WND. Recently, a direct and fast LC-ICP-MS method for the study of CuEXC was presented. A new method to assess Cu metabolism during treatment with ALXN1840 (bis-choline tetrathiomolybdate [TTM]) has been developed. The assay enables the bioanalysis of CP and different types of Cu, including CP-Cu, direct NCC (dNCC), and labile bound copper (LBC) in human plasma. Conclusions: A few diagnostic and monitoring tools are available for patients with WND. While many patients are diagnosed and adequately assessed with currently available methods, diagnosis and monitoring is a real challenge in a group of patients who are stuck with borderline results, ambiguous genetic findings, and unclear clinical phenotypes. Technological progress and the characterization of new diagnostic parameters, including those related to Cu metabolism, may provide confidence in the more accurate diagnosis of WND in the future.

Addressing the Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Wilson's Disease-Case Report and Literature Review

Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder, in which the metabolism of copper is affected by metal accumulation in several organs that causes gradual organ degeneration. Since Wilson's initial description of WD over a century ago, there have been significant improvements in understanding and managing the condition. Nevertheless, the ongoing gap between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis highlights the difficulties in identifying this copper overload disorder early. Despite being a treatable condition, detecting WD early remains a challenge for healthcare professionals at all levels of care, likely due to its rarity. The key challenge is, therefore, to educate physicians on how to identify atypical or infrequent symptoms of WD, prompting them to consider the diagnosis more carefully. The purpose of our review is to draw attention to the difficulties associated with diagnosing pediatric WD, starting from our personal experience of a complex case and then examining relevant literature. In summary, the diagnosis of WD in children is intricate and requires a heightened level of suspicion to identify this infrequent condition. A thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, along with genetic testing, histopathologic examination, and specialized imaging studies, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Does Liver Transplant Improve Neurological Symptoms in Wilson Disease? Report of 24 Cases

OBJECTIVES

Wilson disease is an inherited disorder that results in copper accumulation in the tissues with liver injury and failure. Orthotopic liver transplant is one of the treatments of choice for this disease. The aim of this study was to compare the neurological symptoms, before and after orthotopic livertransplant, of patients with liver cirrhosis due to Wilson disease, who represent a special group of patients with liver failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2020, there were 24 patients with Wilson disease resistant to medical treatment who underwent deceased donor orthotopic livertransplant and were followed up for 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years for evaluation with neurological scoring systems. Patients were also evaluated for postoperative complications and survival.

RESULTS

Of the 24 patients evaluated, there were 13 (54.2%) female patients and 11 (45.8%) male patients, and the mean age was 34 years (range, 14-57 years). One of the patients died from early postoperative sepsis. After orthotopic livertransplant, disease scores returned to normal in 16 patients and improved in the remaining patients. Before transplant, all patients required help in their daily activities. After transplant, there were significant improvements in some symptoms, and the patients became more independent in their daily lives.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that orthotopic liver transplant provides significant improvement in neurological symptoms and quality of life in patients with Wilson disease.

Brain MRI in the Decision for Liver Transplantation in Pediatric Neurological Wilson's Disease

Background

Neurological Wilson's disease (WD) presentation in the pediatric population is rare, and liver transplantation (LT) in these patients remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting reversion of brain lesions and neurological outcomes in pediatric WD patients after LT.

Methods

Patients with confirmed WD (Leipzig score ≥4), disease onset in pediatric age (<18 years), neurological involvement, and submitted to LT were selected. Clinical records and pre- and post-LT brain MRI were evaluated.

Results

Six patients met the pre-defined inclusion criteria, one of whom died shortly after LT and was excluded. The indication for LT was end-stage liver disease in two patients and neurological worsening despite optimized treatment in three patients. After LT, the neurological picture progressively improved in all patients. Pre-LT brain MRI showed T1-weighted hyperintensities in four patients, which quickly resolved afterward. T2-weighted hyperintensities were observed in four patients before LT, completely resolving in one patient, stabilizing in two, and improving in one after LT. A direct correlation could not be found between clinical and neuroradiological improvement. Progressive clinical improvement was observed even in patients with irreversible brain MRI changes. Conversely, some patients with normal MRI had only slight neurological improvement.

Conclusions

The pattern of T2-weighted hyperintensities after LT was unpredictable and did not correlate with neurological outcomes, suggesting that these changes may not entail irreversible clinical damage. Therefore, brain MRI does not seem to have prognostic value for assessing clinical response to LT.

Prevalence of Wilson disease based on genome databases in Japan

BACKGROUND

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene. In 1984, Scheinberg and Sternlieb estimated the prevalence of WD to be 1:30 000. However, recent epidemiological studies have reported increasing prevalence rates in different populations. The carrier frequency of ATP7B variants and the prevalence of WD in the Japanese population have not been reported using multiple databases.

METHODS

Multiple public databases were used. First, we included mutations in the ATP7B gene that were registered in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) Professional, where 885 ATP7B variants were identified as pathogenic. Next, we investigated the allele frequencies of these 885 variants in Japanese individuals using the Human Genetic Variation Database (HGVD) and the Japanese Multi Omics Reference Panel (jMorp).

RESULTS

Of the 885 variants of ATP7B, 7 and 12 missense and nonsense variants, zero and three splicing variants, and zero and two small deletions were found in the HGVD and in jMorp, respectively. The total allele frequencies of the ATP7B mutations were 0.011 in the HGVD and 0.014 in the jMorp. According to these data, the carrier frequencies were 0.022 (2.2%) and 0.028 (2.8%), respectively, and patient frequencies were 0.000121 (1.21/10 000 individuals) and 0.000196 (1.96/10 000 individuals), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report the carrier frequency of ATP7B variants and the prevalence of WD in Japan using multiple databases. The calculated prevalence of WD was comparatively higher than that of previous reports, indicating previous underdiagnosis or the existence of less severe phenotypes.

Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver Consensus Statement on Acute Liver Failure (Part 1): Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Presentation and Prognosis

Acute liver failure (ALF) is an infrequent, unpredictable, potentially fatal complication of acute liver injury (ALI) consequent to varied etiologies. Etiologies of ALF as reported in the literature have regional differences, which affects the clinical presentation and natural course. In this part of the consensus article designed to reflect the clinical practices in India, disease burden, epidemiology, clinical presentation, monitoring, and prognostication have been discussed. In India, viral hepatitis is the most frequent cause of ALF, with drug-induced hepatitis due to antituberculosis drugs being the second most frequent cause. The clinical presentation of ALF is characterized by jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy. It is important to differentiate ALF from other causes of liver failure, including acute on chronic liver failure, subacute liver failure, as well as certain tropical infections which can mimic this presentation. The disease often has a fulminant clinical course with high short-term mortality. Death is usually attributable to cerebral complications, infections, and resultant multiorgan failure. Timely liver transplantation (LT) can change the outcome, and hence, it is vital to provide intensive care to patients until LT can be arranged. It is equally important to assess prognosis to select patients who are suitable for LT. Several prognostic scores have been proposed, and their comparisons show that indigenously developed dynamic scores have an edge over scores described from the Western world. Management of ALF will be described in part 2 of this document.

Liver transplantation as a rescue therapy for severe neurologic forms of Wilson disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with Wilson disease (WD) with severe neurologic worsening resistant to active chelation.

METHODS

French patients with WD who underwent LT for pure neurologic indication were retrospectively studied. Before LT and at the last follow-up, neurologic impairment was evaluated with the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) score, disability with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and hepatic function with the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, together with the presence of a Kayser-Fleischer ring (KFR), brain MRI scores, and copper balance. The survival rate and disability at the last follow-up were the coprimary outcomes; evolution of KFR and brain MRI were the secondary outcomes. Prognosis factors were further assessed.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients had LT. All were highly dependent before LT (median mRS score 5). Neurologic symptoms were severe (median UWDRS score 105), dominated by dystonia and parkinsonism. The cumulated survival rate was 88.8% at 1 year and 72.2% at 3 and 5 years. At the last follow-up, 14 patients were alive. Their mRS and UWDRS scores improved (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003). Eight patients had a major improvement (78% decrease of the UWDRS score), 4 a moderate one (41% decrease), and 2 a stable status. KFR and brain MRI scores improved (p = 0.0007). Severe sepsis (p = 0.011) and intensive care unit admission (p = 0.001) before LT were significantly associated with death.

CONCLUSIONS

LT is a rescue therapeutic option that should be carefully discussed in selected patients with neurologic WD resistant to anticopper therapies (chelators or zinc salts) as it might allow patients to gain physical independency with a reasonable risk.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with WD with severe neurologic worsening resistant to active pharmacologic therapy, LT might decrease neurologic impairment.

Liver transplantation for late-onset presentations of acute liver failure in Wilson's disease: The UK experience over 2 decades

Background & Aims

Acute liver failure as the initial presentation of Wilson’s disease is usually associated with onset in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Outcomes after transplantation for late-onset presentations, at or after 40 years, are seldom reported in the literature.

Methods

We report a case, review the literature and provide unpublished data from the UK Transplant Registry on late-onset acute liver failure in Wilson's disease.

Results

We describe the case of a 62-year-old man presenting with acute liver failure who was successfully treated with urgent liver transplantation. We identified 7 cases presenting at age 40 years or over in the literature, for which individual outcomes were reported; 3 were treated with transplantation and 2 survived. We identified a further 8 cases listed for transplantation in the UK between 1995 and 2014; 7 were treated with transplantation and 6 survived. One patient was de-listed for unknown reasons.

Conclusions

Wilson's disease should be considered in older adults presenting with acute liver failure. We suggest that urgent liver transplantation has good outcomes for late-onset presentations and recommend that urgent transplantation should always be considered in Wilson's disease presenting as acute liver failure.

Lay summary

Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disease that causes copper accumulation in the liver and brain and usually manifests during childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. We report the case of a 62-year-old who developed acute liver failure and was successfully treated with urgent liver transplantation. We discuss the outcomes of other late-onset cases of acute liver failure due to Wilson's disease in the literature and provide additional data from the UK Transplant Registry.

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We describe the case of a 62-year-old transplanted for acute liver failure in Wilson's disease.

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Outcomes after transplantation were previously reported in 3 late-onset cases.

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We describe a further 7 late-onset cases from the UK Transplant Registry.

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Wilson's disease should be considered in acute liver failure presenting at any age.

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Transplantation should always be considered in acute liver failure presentations.

Outcomes of Acute Liver Injury in Adults Due to Wilson's Disease: Is Survival Without Transplant Possible?

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare cause of acute liver failure (ALF) that is thought to have a uniformly fatal outcome without liver transplantation (LT). Previous studies proposed diagnostic and prognostic criteria for WD-ALF. It is not known whether these apply to WD patients presenting as severe acute liver injury (ALI) without encephalopathy. From 2008 to 2018, 822 patients with ALI in the US Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG) registry were enrolled and prospectively followed. The diagnosis of WD-ALI was confirmed in 8 patients. Serum biochemical diagnostic ratios predicting WD-ALF (alkaline phosphatase [ALP]:total bilirubin(TB) and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]:alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) were determined in these patients, and predictors of prognosis for WD-ALI were evaluated. Of these 8 ALI-WD patients, 5 received an LT. Ratios of both ALP:TB of <4 and AST:ALT of >2.2 on study admission were met in 4 LT patients. All LT patients were female. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores on admission were generally higher in LT patients. All transplanted patients had an initial revised WD score of >11 (>10 predicting poor outcome without LT in WD-ALF), whereas in non-LT patients, 2 had scores of 9, and 1 a score of 13. Also, 3 LT patients were started on chelation therapy, 2 were started on plasmapheresis, and 1 was started on Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System therapy. All non-LT patients were treated with chelation. At 21 days, all patients were alive and discharged from the hospital. In conclusion, some patients with ALI due to WD may survive without LT. Revised Wilson index scores >10 predict poor outcome in most patients with WD-ALI, as they do for WD-ALF, and they correlate positively with the ALI model in this cohort. Biochemical ratios for WD diagnosis appear more applicable to ALF compared with WD-ALI.

High spatial resolution LA-ICP-MS demonstrates massive liver copper depletion in Wilson disease rats upon Methanobactin treatment

Wilson disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder of the copper metabolism leading to systemic copper accumulation, predominantly in the liver. The therapeutic approach in WD patients is the generation of a negative copper balance and the maintenance of copper homeostasis, currently by the use of copper chelators such as D-penicillamine (D-PA). However, in circumstances of delayed diagnosis, poor treatment compliance, or treatment failure, mortality is almost certain without hepatic transplantation. Moreover, even after years of D-PA treatment, high liver copper levels are present in WD patients. We have recently suggested the use of the bacterial peptide Methanobactin (MB), which has an outstanding binding affinity for copper, as potentially efficient and patient-friendly remedy against copper damage in WD. Here we substantiate these findings considerably, by demonstrating a significant removal of copper from liver samples of WD rats upon short, one week only, MB treatments. Using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with a spatial resolution down to 4 μm, we demonstrate that only small copper hotspots remain in MB treated animal livers. We further demonstrate in WD rat liver, seven weeks after the stopped MB treatment, a lower liver copper concentration as compared to untreated control animals. Thus, MB highly efficiently depletes liver copper overload with a sustained therapeutic effect.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Wilson's Disease Associated with Fulminant Hepatic Failure: A Case Report

Patient: Female, 17

Final Diagnosis: Fulminant Wilson’s disease

Symptoms: General jaundice • malaise • abdominal pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: ICU

Specialty: Transplantology

Wilson disease: more than meets the eye

Wilson disease is a rare but important disorder of copper metabolism, with a failure to excrete copper appropriately into bile. It is a multisystem condition with presentations across all branches of medicine. Diagnosis can be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion. It should be considered in unexplained liver disease particularly where neuropsychiatric features are also present. Treatments are available for all stages of disease. A particularly important presentation not to overlook is acute liver failure which carries a high mortality risk and may require urgent liver transplantation. Here, we provide an overview of this complex condition.

Liver transplantation for Wilson disease

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.

Fourteen Years of Experience of Liver Transplantation for Wilson's Disease; a Report on 107 Cases from Shiraz, Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Liver transplantation is a potential cure for liver damage from Wilson's disease but the course of neuropsychiatric manifestations after transplantation remains undetermined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, data on all patients who'd received a liver transplant for Wilson's disease at the Shiraz Organ Transplantation Center between December 2000 and March 2014 were reviewed and compared to data on a control group who'd received a liver transplant over the same period but due to other causes.

RESULTS

Out of 2198 patients who'd received a liver transplant in the period; 107 patients were diagnosed with Wilson's disease (21 with fulminant hepatic failure); age of patient ranged from 5 to 59 years; 56.07% of patients in this series had some type of neuropsychiatric manifestation before transplantation, of which 66.67% showed improvement after the procedure. 18 patients had aggravation of neuropsychiatric symptoms after transplantation. These neuropsychiatric symptoms were mostly for anxiety, tremor and depression but there were four cases of new onset dysarthria, rigidity and ataxia in various combinations. Survival rates of 1-month, 1-year, and 5-years for patients with Wilson's disease were 88%, 86%, 82%, respectively, evaluations were not statistically different from that of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation showed good long-term results in patients with Wilson's disease, even in those presenting fulminant hepatic failure. Neuropsychiatric manifestations normally show improvement after transplantation but in some cases new onset of manifestations occurred after successful liver transplantation.

Canine Models for Copper Homeostasis Disorders

Copper is an essential trace nutrient metal involved in a multitude of cellular processes. Hereditary defects in copper metabolism result in disorders with a severe clinical course such as Wilson disease and Menkes disease. In Wilson disease, copper accumulation leads to liver cirrhosis and neurological impairments. A lack in genotype-phenotype correlation in Wilson disease points toward the influence of environmental factors or modifying genes. In a number of Non-Wilsonian forms of copper metabolism, the underlying genetic defects remain elusive. Several pure bred dog populations are affected with copper-associated hepatitis showing similarities to human copper metabolism disorders. Gene-mapping studies in these populations offer the opportunity to discover new genes involved in copper metabolism. Furthermore, due to the relatively large body size and long life-span of dogs they are excellent models for development of new treatment strategies. One example is the recent use of canine organoids for disease modeling and gene therapy of copper storage disease. This review addresses the opportunities offered by canine genetics for discovery of genes involved in copper metabolism disorders. Further, possibilities for the use of dogs in development of new treatment modalities for copper storage disorders, including gene repair in patient-derived hepatic organoids, are highlighted.

Report of the ASFA apheresis registry study on Wilson's disease

PURPOSE

Wilson's disease is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that results in accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, cornea and kidney. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used to remove copper and provide a bridge to liver transplantation. We report here the collective experiences through the ASFA apheresis registry on Wilson's disease.

METHODS

The ASFA apheresis registry is a multi-center registry study. Both prospective and retrospective data, with the latter involving data collection back to January 2000 are entered in the registry. The registry includes patient demographics, apheresis procedural information, treatment schedules, and treatment outcomes and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients (3 males and 7 females) with Wilson's disease treated between 2005 and 2013 were included. Median age of first diagnosis and first TPE were 16 and 17 years, respectively. Via central venous access, these patients underwent a total of 43 TPEs; the median number of TPE procedures per patient was 3.5. All of the TPEs used ACD-A as anticoagulation, 42/43 TPEs targeted 1-1.25 plasma volumes, and 41/43 TPEs were performed with 100% fluid balance. Post TPE procedures, 9 patients underwent liver transplantation; all 10 patients had at least a 6-month survival.

CONCLUSIONS

All 10 patients with Wilson's disease who underwent TPE had a positive outcome in terms of 6-month survival. In this first report of the ASFA apheresis registry study, we have demonstrated the value of using this registry to collect apheresis-related patient outcomes from multiple centers.

Liver transplantation in neurological Wilson's Disease: is there indication? A case report

Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by copper overload. In this disease, inadequate hepatic excretion leads to copper accumulation in the liver, brain, kidney, and cornea. Severe neurological symptoms can develop in patients with WD, often in the absence of relevant liver damage: it is unclear whether liver transplantation (LT) could reverse neurological symptoms, and at present LT is not recommended in this setting. We report a case of regression of neurological symptoms in a patient affected by WD with prevalent neurological involvement. A 19-year-old man with disabling neuropsychiatric symptoms from WD that included frontal ataxia, akinesia, dystonia, tremors, and behavioral disorders in the presence of preserved liver function (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score=7; Child-Turcotte-Pugh score=A5) underwent LT in November 2009. At the time of LT, encephalic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated diffuse neurodegenerative alterations involving subtentorial and supratentorial structures; bilateral Kayser-Fleischer ring was present. Four years after LT, laboratory tests show normalized copper metabolism and excellent liver function test results. Encephalic MRI shows a substantial improvement of already-known signal alterations at nuclei thalamus and putamen, mesencephalon, and pons. Kayser-Fleischer ring disappeared from the right eye, but a little remnant is still visible in the left eye. At neurological examination, all of the previous symptoms and signs are no longer present and behavioral disorders are no longer present; psychosocial functions are completely restored. The present case provides some evidence that LT may be a valid therapeutic option for WD patients with marked neurological impairment, particularly in those no longer responsive to chelation therapy.

Polarized sorting of the copper transporter ATP7B in neurons mediated by recognition of a dileucine signal by AP-1

Recognition of dileucine signals by AP-1 mediates somatodendritic sorting of the copper transporter ATP7B and the SNARE VAMP4 in hippocampal neurons, establishing AP-1 as a global regulator of polarized sorting and contributing to the understanding of neuronal copper metabolism under physiological and pathological conditions.

Neurons are highly polarized cells having distinct somatodendritic and axonal domains. Here we report that polarized sorting of the Cu²⁺ transporter ATP7B and the vesicle-SNARE VAMP4 to the somatodendritic domain of rat hippocampal neurons is mediated by recognition of dileucine-based signals in the cytosolic domains of the proteins by the σ1 subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP-1. Under basal Cu²⁺ conditions, ATP7B was localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the plasma membrane of the soma and dendrites but not the axon. Mutation of a dileucine-based signal in ATP7B or overexpression of a dominant-negative σ1 mutant resulted in nonpolarized distribution of ATP7B between the somatodendritic and axonal domains. Furthermore, addition of high Cu²⁺ concentrations, previously shown to reduce ATP7B incorporation into AP-1–containing clathrin-coated vesicles, caused loss of TGN localization and somatodendritic polarity of ATP7B. These findings support the notion of AP-1 as an effector of polarized sorting in neurons and suggest that altered polarity of ATP7B in polarized cell types might contribute to abnormal copper metabolism in the MEDNIK syndrome, a neurocutaneous disorder caused by mutations in the σ1A subunit isoform of AP-1.

Fulminant Wilson's Disease Managed with Plasmapheresis as a Bridge to Liver Transplant

New-onset jaundice can be a manifestation of multiple pathologic processes including hemolysis, parenchymal liver disease, and cholestasis; the differential diagnosis is broad and requires a systematic approach. We report a case of a patient who presented with jaundice after starting minocycline for the treatment of acne vulgaris and rapidly developed fulminant liver failure found to be due to Wilson's disease. She also manifested severe Coomb's negative hemolytic anemia and renal failure secondary to hepatorenal syndrome. As a bridge to liver transplant, she was successfully treated with plasmapheresis to decrease serum copper in addition to hemodialysis for acidosis and hyperkalemia. She was able to receive a liver and made a full recovery. The case highlights the use of plasmapheresis as an adjunctive treatment modality in cases of fulminant liver failure due to Wilson's disease.

A modified heterotopic auxiliary living donor liver transplantation: report of a case

Liver transplantation is regarded as an effective treatment for Wilson's disease (WD), and recently has been shown to improve not only hepatic but also neurologic manifestations. Conventional auxiliary liver transplantation for WD is orthotopic liver transplantation and heterotopic liver transplantation. But the conventional procedure could not avoid the problem of space, functional competition, hemodynamic variation. Here we report a case of heterotopic auxiliary living-donor liver transplantation (HALDLT) to treat WD. We modified the operation to have a splenectomy, implant graft into the splenic fossa. The patient recovered well after the transplantation and has been symptom-free during a 5-year follow-up. This modified operation is more safe and simple. HALDLT might be an effective treatment for WD patients with splenomegaly.

Long term results of liver transplantation for Wilson's disease: experience in France

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver transplantation (LT) is the therapeutic option for severe complications of Wilson's disease (WD). We aimed to report on the long-term outcome of WD patients following LT.

METHODS

The medical records of 121 French patients transplanted for WD between 1985 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Seventy-five patients were adults (median age: 29 years, (18-66)) and 46 were children (median age: 14 years, (7-17)). The indication for LT was (1) fulminant/subfulminant hepatitis (n = 64, 53%), median age = 16 years (7-53), (2) decompensated cirrhosis (n = 50, 41%), median age = 31.5 years (12-66) or (3) severe neurological disease (n = 7, 6%), median age = 21.5 years (14.5-42). Median post-transplant follow-up was 72 months (0-23.5).

RESULTS

Actuarial patient survival rates were 87% at 5, 10, and 15 years. Male gender, pre-transplant renal insufficiency, non elective procedure, and neurological indication were significantly associated with poorer survival rate. None of these factors remained statistically significant under multivariate analysis. In patients transplanted for hepatic indications, the prognosis was poorer in case of fulminant or subfulminant course, non elective procedure, pretransplant renal insufficiency and in patients transplanted before 2000. Multivariate analysis disclosed that only recent period of LT was associated with better prognosis. At last visit, the median calculated glomerular filtration rate was 93 ml/min (33-180); 11/93 patients (12%) had stage II renal insufficiency and none had stage III.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver failure associated with WD is a rare indication for LT (<1%), which achieves an excellent long-term outcome, including renal function.

Comprehensive analysis on clinical features of Wilson's disease: an experience over 28 years with 133 cases

OBJECTIVES

Here, we reported our experience over 28 years with 133 cases of patients with Wilson's disease (WD) in order to illustrate the diverse clinical presentation and to improve understanding and early diagnosis of WD.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients with WD at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from 1993 to 2011. The clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were analyzed. The diagnosis was based on the presence of Kayser-Fleisher (K-F) rings, low serum copper levels, low serum ceruloplasmin levels, increased urinary copper concentrations before or after penicillamine challenge.

RESULTS

Among them, 93 patients mainly presented with hepatic manifestations, 27 with neural abnormalities, and 13 presented with others. Age range at diagnosis was wide (3-74 years, average 13·2 years), and five patients were over 40 years. The oldest one was aged 74 years and presented with neuropsychiatric disorder. The positive rate of K-F rings was 93·0%. The serum ceruloplasmin decreased in 83·6% patients, 24-hour urinary copper increased in 88·1% patients, and serum copper decreased in 68·9% patients. About 79·7% of patients were diagnosed within 6 months, but only 33·1% were diagnosed at their initial medical consultation. There was a substantial delay of up to 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical manifestation of WD is very diverse and no one feature is completely reliable. Doctors in many fields have opportunities to encounter this disease, and the most important thing is to be aware of the possibility of WD.

Effect of liver transplantation on brain magnetic resonance imaging pathology in Wilson disease: a case report

The authors present a case report of a 28-year-old patient with hepatic, but no neurological, signs of Wilson disease, with pathological changes in both the globi pallidi and caudate found with routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was recommended for liver transplantation by hepatologists, and during the two years of observation after liver transplantation, MRI brain abnormalities due to Wilson disease completely regressed. On the basis of this case, the authors present an argument for the prognostic significance of brain MRI in Wilson disease as well as current recommendations concerning liver transplantation in Wilson disease.

Outcome and development of symptoms after orthotopic liver transplantation for Wilson disease

BACKGROUND

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive copper storage disease resulting in hepatic and neurologic dysfunction. Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for fulminant cases for patients with chronic liver disease. Reports on the outcome of neuropsychiatric symptoms after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are limited.

AIM

To assess the course of neuropsychiatric and hepatic symptoms after liver transplantation for Wilson disease

METHODS

Nineteen patients with Wilson disease received liver transplantation and were followed prospectively from 2005 to 2010 for the development of hepatic, neurological and psychiatric symptoms.

RESULTS

Eight patients (all female) were transplanted for acute liver failure and eleven patients for chronic liver failure. Patient survival rates one and five yr after transplantation were 78% and 65%, respectively. Of the surviving patients, hepatic symptom scores improved in all patients and neurological symptom scores improved in all but one patient after OLT compared to the time of initial diagnosis and compared to pre-OLT status. Psychiatric symptoms showed moderate improvements.

CONCLUSION

Survival after OLT for Wilson disease with end-stage liver disease is excellent. Overall, neuropsychiatric symptoms improved after transplantation, substantiating arguments for widening of the indication for liver transplantation in symptomatic neurologic Wilson disease patients with stable liver function.

Role of the P-Type ATPases, ATP7A and ATP7B in brain copper homeostasis

Over the past two decades there have been significant advances in our understanding of copper homeostasis and the pathological consequences of copper dysregulation. Cumulative evidence is revealing a complex regulatory network of proteins and pathways that maintain copper homeostasis. The recognition of copper dysregulation as a key pathological feature in prominent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases has led to increased research focus on the mechanisms controlling copper homeostasis in the brain. The copper-transporting P-type ATPases (copper-ATPases), ATP7A and ATP7B, are critical components of the copper regulatory network. Our understanding of the biochemistry and cell biology of these complex proteins has grown significantly since their discovery in 1993. They are large polytopic transmembrane proteins with six copper-binding motifs within the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain, eight transmembrane domains, and highly conserved catalytic domains. These proteins catalyze ATP-dependent copper transport across cell membranes for the metallation of many essential cuproenzymes, as well as for the removal of excess cellular copper to prevent copper toxicity. A key functional aspect of these copper transporters is their copper-responsive trafficking between the trans-Golgi network and the cell periphery. ATP7A- and ATP7B-deficiency, due to genetic mutation, underlie the inherited copper transport disorders, Menkes and Wilson diseases, respectively. Their importance in maintaining brain copper homeostasis is underscored by the severe neuropathological deficits in these disorders. Herein we will review and update our current knowledge of these copper transporters in the brain and the central nervous system, their distribution and regulation, their role in normal brain copper homeostasis, and how their absence or dysfunction contributes to disturbances in copper homeostasis and neurodegeneration.

Abdominal manifestations of neurologic disorders

A variety of disorders-including infectious, inflammatory, hereditary, and metabolic diseases-may affect both the brain and abdominal cavity, and the findings in one region may help establish the diagnosis or limit the differential diagnosis. Establishing an accurate early diagnosis enables clinicians to adequately manage these unusual diseases and potentially avert life-threatening complications. For example, an early diagnosis of Gardner syndrome enables annual sigmoid- or colonoscopy and ultrasonography. In many conditions, abdominal manifestations precede neurologic manifestations and may have prognostic significance. Patients with celiac disease more often present with abdominal manifestations such as duodenitis, slow transit time, reversal of the jejunal-ileal fold pattern, and transient small bowel intussusception than with intracranial manifestations. In other conditions, the neurologic manifestations may be the same as the presenting symptoms. For example, patients with Gardner syndrome may initially present with multiple mandibular or sinonasal osteomas. In addition, sarcoidosis may manifest with multifocal enhancing dural masses. Abdominal and neurologic manifestations may even occur simultaneously, as in several of the phakomatoses such as neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis complex, and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Ultimately, familiarity with the appearances of these conditions allows radiologists to pinpoint a diagnosis, even when imaging findings in either location are nonspecific.

Presentation, diagnosis and outcome of predominantly hepatic Wilson's disease in adult Saudi patients: a single centre experience

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the clinical manifestations, diagnostic features, disease course and response to treatment among Saudi adults with predominantly hepatic Wilson's disease. A retrospective cohort study of 40 adult patients diagnosed with predominantly hepatic Wilson's disease between 1994 and 2008 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh was carried out.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The diagnosis was based on varying combinations of clinical and laboratory evidence of liver disease, presence of Kayser Fleisher rings, low serum ceruloplasmin levels, elevated 24 hour urinary copper excretion and histopathological findings on liver biopsy.

RESULTS

The most frequent clinical presentation was decompensated chronic liver disease in 19 (47.5%), followed by chronic hepatitis in 15 (37.5%) and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in 5 (12.5%) patients. Eight (20%) patients with end-stage liver disease had liver transplantation, while 24 (60%) patients followed up on medical treatment for a variable period of 1-12 years showed clinical and laboratory improvement. One patient was lost early in follow up. Eight (20%) patients died during the study period, 5 with FHF, and 2 with advanced hepatic and neurological disease and one seven years after liver transplantation. Mortality rate was 100% in FHF without liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

A predominantly hepatic Wilson's disease has varied clinical presentations with decompensated chronic liver disease being the most common among adult patients. Majority of the patients show stabilization of the disease on medical treatment. FHF in Wilson's disease has a grave prognosis without liver transplantation, the later remains a definitive treatment option for decompensated cirrhotics and patients with FHF.

Medical management of chronic liver diseases in children (part I): focus on curable or potentially curable diseases

The management of children with chronic liver disease (CLD) mandates a multidisciplinary approach. CLDs can be classified into 'potentially' curable, treatable non-curable, and end-stage diseases. Goals pertaining to the management of CLDs can be divided into prevention or minimization of progressive liver damage in curable CLD by treating the primary cause; prevention or control of complications in treatable CLD; and prediction of the outcome in end-stage CLD in order to deliver definitive therapy by surgical procedures, including liver transplantation. Curative, specific therapies aimed at the primary causes of CLDs are, if possible, best considered by a pediatric hepatologist. Medical management of CLDs in children will be reviewed in two parts, with part I (this article) specifically focusing on 'potentially' curable CLDs. Dietary modification is the cornerstone of management for galactosemia, hereditary fructose intolerance, and certain glycogen storage diseases, as well as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. It is also essential in tyrosinemia, in addition to nitisinone [2-(nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione] therapy, as well as in Wilson disease along with copper-chelating agents such as D-penicillamine, triethylenetetramine dihydrochloride, and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. Zinc and antioxidants are adjuvant drugs in Wilson disease. New advances in chronic viral hepatitis have been made with the advent of oral antivirals. In children, currently available drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection are standard interferon (IFN)-α-2, pegylated IFN-α-2 (PG-IFN), and lamivudine. In adults, adefovir and entecavir have also been licensed, whereas telbivudine, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, clevudine, and thymosin α-1 are currently undergoing clinical testing. For chronic hepatitis C virus infection, the most accepted treatment is PG-IFN plus ribavirin. Corticosteroids, with or without azathioprine, remain the basic strategy for inducing remission in autoimmune hepatitis. Ciclosporin (cyclosporine) and other immune suppressants may be used for patients who do not achieve remission, or who have significant side effects, with corticosteroid/azathioprine therapy. The above therapies can prevent, or at least minimize, progression of liver damage, particularly if started early, leading to an almost normal quality of life in affected children.

Recurrence of non-viral liver disease after orthotopic liver transplantation

Liver transplant remains the ultimate treatment for decompensated liver disease. However, many diseases do recur after orthotopic liver transplant, which may affect recipients' quality of life and survival rate. We performed a systematic review of relevant epidemiological studies available on Medline that provided information on the recurrence of non-viral hepatitis after orthotopic liver transplantation in adult patients published until August 2010. All data were compiled from either review articles or retrospective studies. Primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic steatohepatitis and haemochromatosis can recur after liver transplantation. The rates for disease recurrence varied according to the indication for transplantation, and ranged from 7 to 50%. Although the survival rate of patients with liver disease has increased with the advent of liver transplantation and novel immunosuppressive protocols, recurrence of the primary liver disease remains a concern. The recurrence rates differ not only according to the cause of underlying liver disease but also vary within the indication for transplant. Further studies are needed to elucidate the risk factors for varied disease recurrence.

Liver transplantation for children with Wilson disease: comparison of outcomes between children and adults

Liver transplantation (LT) is lifesaving for patients with Wilson disease (WD) presenting with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) or chronic liver disease (CLD) unresponsive to treatment.

AIM

To determine the outcome of LT in pediatric and adult patients with WD.

METHODS

United Network for Organ Sharing data on LT from 1987 to 2008 were analyzed. Outcomes were compared for patients requiring LT for FHF and CLD after 2002. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for death and graft loss.

RESULTS

Of 90,867 patients transplanted between 1987 and 2008, 170 children and 400 adults had WD. The one- and five-yr patient survival of children was 90.1% and 89% compared to 88.3% and 86% for adults, p = 0.53, 0.34. After 2002, 103 (41 children) were transplanted for FHF and 67 (10 children) for CLD. One- and five-yr patient survival was higher in children transplanted for CLD compared to FHF; 100%, 100% vs. 90%, 87.5% respectively, p = 0.30, 0.32. One- and five-yr patient survival was higher in adults transplanted for CLD compared to FHF; 94.7%, 90.1% vs. 90.3%, 89.7%, respectively, p = 0.36, 0.88. Encephalopathy, partial graft, and ventilator use were risk factors for death by logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

LT is an excellent treatment option for patients with WD. Patients transplanted for CLD had higher patient survival rates than patients with FHF.

Long term follow-up of glomerular and tubular functions in liver transplanted patients with Wilson's disease

The aim of this study was to determine the long term outcome of renal glomerular and tubular functions in children receiving an LT for WD. Renal functions were examined in nine children with WD before and long after LT and compared with those of nine liver transplanted children with hepatic diseases other than WD. The duration of follow-up was at least two yr for both groups. GFR, fractional TRP and tubular maximum rate of phosphate reabsorption in relation to GFR (TP/GFR) as well as daily protein and Ca excretion were studied in both groups before and after LT. Pretransplant mean GFR, TRP and TP/GFR were significantly lower in the study group than the controls. A significant increase in the post-transplant TRP and TP/GFR was observed in the study group and the difference between the groups disappeared during the long term follow-up. Urinary protein excretion decreased in both groups after LT. Tubular dysfunction is frequent in patients with WD. LT for hepatic failure secondary to WD is a lifesaving procedure correcting the underlying hepatic defect as well as renal defects.

Screening for Wilson disease in acute liver failure: a comparison of currently available diagnostic tests

Acute liver failure (ALF) due to Wilson disease (WD) is invariably fatal without emergency liver transplantation. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of WD should aid prompt transplant listing. To identify the best method for diagnosis of ALF due to WD (ALF-WD), data and serum were collected from 140 ALF patients (16 with WD), 29 with other chronic liver diseases and 17 with treated chronic WD. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) was measured by both oxidase activity and nephelometry and serum copper levels by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In patients with ALF, a serum Cp <20 mg/dL by the oxidase method provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 21% and specificity of 84% while, by nephelometry, a sensitivity of 56% and specificity of 63%. Serum copper levels exceeded 200 microg/dL in all ALF-WD patients measured (13/16), but were also elevated in non-WD ALF. An alkaline phosphatase (AP) to total bilirubin (TB) ratio <4 yielded a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 96%, and a likelihood ratio of 23 for diagnosing fulminant WD. In addition, an AST:ALT ratio >2.2 yielded a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 86%, and a likelihood ratio of 7 for diagnosing fulminant WD. Combining the tests provided a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Conventional WD testing utilizing serum ceruloplasmin and/or serum copper levels are less sensitive and specific in identifying patients with ALF-WD than other available tests. More readily available laboratory tests including alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and serum aminotransferases by contrast provides the most rapid and accurate method for diagnosis of ALF due to WD.

Metabolic liver disease in children

The aim of this article is to provide essential information for hepatologists, who primarily care for adults, regarding liver-based inborn errors of metabolism with particular reference to those that may be treatable with liver transplantation and to provide adequate references for more in-depth study should one of these disease states be encountered.

A single-center experience with liver transplantation for Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism, presenting with prominent hepatic and neurologic manifestations. There is an established place for liver transplantation in the presence of liver disease, while the indication for neurologic manifestations is debated. Between 1993 and 2005, 11 patients were liver transplanted for Wilson's disease at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients. The pathology of the explanted livers was analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups based on the evolution of the disease. Postoperative data gathered included patient and graft outcome, complications, neurologic status, and copper metabolism. Six males and five females were transplanted at a mean age of 29.7 yr (range 15-48 yr). Three patients had a fulminant presentation, two patients had decompensation of established disease, and six patients had chronic disease. Neurologic features were prominent in five patients. The pathologic analysis of the explanted graft showed cirrhosis in all patients. The five patients with fulminant and acute on chronic presentations also showed necrosis in the explant. The mean postoperative follow-up was 56.8 months (range 10-129 months). Two patients were re-transplanted. One patient died because of severe sepsis. Two patients with severe neurologic dysfunction showed significant remission of symptoms. Liver transplantation is a safe and effective treatment for both acute and chronic presentations of Wilson's disease. Acute presentation correlates with the presence of necrosis in the explanted liver. In our series, there was a relevant improvement of the neurologic features after transplantation.

Metabolic liver disease in children

The aim of this article is to provide essential information for hepatologists, who primarily care for adults, regarding liver-based inborn errors of metabolism with particular reference to those that may be treatable with liver transplantation and to provide adequate references for more in-depth study should one of these disease states be encountered.

Neurologic complications of liver transplantation in pediatric patients with the hepatic form of Wilson's disease

The literature contains very little documentation on neurologic complications in liver transplant recipients for Wilson's disease. We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive cases of pediatric liver transplantation for the hepatic form of Wilson's disease to assess the types of neurologic complications that occurred, the incidence of those problems, and associated factors in this patient group. The patients were 12 boys and 5 girls; indications for liver transplantation were fulminant hepatic failure in 3 patients and chronic hepatic failure in 14 patients. Neurologic complications were observed in 10 of the 17 patients as 16 episodes. The most common neurologic complications were seizure (7 episodes in 6 patients) and sudden-onset headache (5 episodes in 4 patients). Tacrolimus was identified as the only possible cause of headache in 3 episodes. Encephalitis was the cause in 1 and intracranial hemorrhage was the cause in the other headache episode. We also noted 1 episode of tremor, 1 episode of acute dystonic reaction, 1 episode of diffuse encephalopathy, and 1 episode of common peroneal nerve palsy. Immunosuppressive agents were the primary cause of 12 of the 16 episodes of neurologic complications. Uremia with hypertension, compression of the right common peroneal nerve, encephalitis, and intracranial hemorrhages attributable to coagulopathy caused 1 neurologic episode each. Neurologic complications in patients with the hepatic form of Wilson's disease were frequent during the first 30 days after pediatric liver transplantation but did not affect survival. Transplantation teams should be aware of the high incidence of neurologic complications in pediatric patients with the hepatic form of Wilson's disease.

Copper and iron disorders of the brain

Copper and iron are transition elements essential for life. These metals are required to maintain the brain's biochemistry such that deficiency or excess of either copper or iron results in central nervous system disease. This review focuses on the inherited disorders in humans that directly affect copper or iron homeostasis in the brain. Elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of these rare disorders has provided insight into the mechanisms of copper and iron acquisition, trafficking, storage, and excretion in the brain. This knowledge permits a greater understanding of copper and iron roles in neurobiology and neurologic disease and may allow for the development of therapeutic approaches where aberrant metal homeostasis is implicated in disease pathogenesis.

Wilson disease--a practical approach to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Wilson disease is an inherited, autosomal recessive, copper accumulation and toxicity disorder that affects about 30 individuals per million. This rare disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding a copper-transporting P-type ATPase, which is important for copper excretion into bile, leading to copper accumulation in the liver. Toxic copper concentrations can also be found in the brain and kidney, and clinical phenotypes include hepatic, haemolytic, neurologic and psychiatric diseases. Diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical features and findings such as increased urinary copper excretion, reduced levels of serum ceruloplasmin, high concentrations of copper in liver tissues and Kayser-Fleischer rings. Genetic studies are also becoming available for clinical use, but the utility of direct mutation analysis is limited. Wilson disease can be treated, and early diagnosis is essential: the goal of therapy is to reduce copper accumulation either by enhancing its urinary excretion or by decreasing its intestinal absorption. Medical therapies include penicillamine, trientine, zinc and tetrathiomolibdate. Liver transplantation is a relatively successful treatment option when medical therapy fails or in case of acute liver failure, even though it is also characterized by short- and long-term complications.

Liver transplantation for metabolic liver diseases

Liver transplantation has become an accepted treatment for several metabolic liver diseases. With advances in organ transplantation and immunosuppressive strategies, survival rates following liver transplantation are generally excellent. When the primary metabolic defect is hepatic in origin, liver transplantation not only replaces the dysfunctional organ but also cures the underlying metabolic defect. For conditions in which the primary metabolic defect is extrahepatic, liver transplantation is usually performed for hepatic complications, although disease recurrence may occur. This article reviews common metabolic liver diseases treated with liver transplantation in the adult population.