1
|
Delle Cave V, Di Dato F, Iorio R. Wilson's Disease with Acute Hepatic Onset: How to Diagnose and Treat It. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:68. [PMID: 38255382 PMCID: PMC10814100 DOI: 10.3390/children11010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raffaele Iorio
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.D.C.); (F.D.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hefter H, Kruschel TS, Novak M, Rosenthal D, Luedde T, Meuth SG, Albrecht P, Hartmann CJ, Samadzadeh S. Differences in the Time Course of Recovery from Brain and Liver Dysfunction in Conventional Long-Term Treatment of Wilson Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4861. [PMID: 37510976 PMCID: PMC10381896 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144861] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to demonstrate that both neurological and hepatic symptoms respond to copper chelation therapy in Wilson disease (WD). However, the time course of their recovery is different. METHODS Eighteen patients with neurological WD from a single specialized center who had been listed for liver transplantation during the last ten years and two newly diagnosed homozygous twins were recruited for this retrospective study. The mean duration of conventional treatment was 7.3 years (range: 0.25 to 36.2 years). A custom Wilson disease score with seven motor items, three non-motor items, and 33 biochemical parameters of the blood and urine, as well as the MELD score, was determined at various checkup visits during treatment. These data were extracted from the charts of the patients. RESULTS Treatment was initiated with severity-dependent doses (≥900 mg) of D-penicillamine (DPA) or triethylene-tetramin-dihydrochloride (TRIEN). The motor score improved in 10 and remained constant in 8 patients. Worsening of neurological symptoms was observed only in two patients who developed comorbidities (myasthenia gravis or hemispheric stroke). The neurological symptoms continuously improved over the years until the majority of patients became only mildly affected. In contrast to this slow recovery of the neurological symptoms, the MELD score and liver enzymes had already started to improve after 1 month and rapidly improved over the next 6 months in 19 patients. The cholinesterase levels continued to increase significantly (p < 0.0074) even further. One patient whose MELD score indicated further progression of liver disease received an orthotopic liver transplantation 3 months after the diagnosis of WD and the onset of DPA treatment. CONCLUSIONS Neurological and hepatic symptoms both respond to copper chelation therapy. For patients with acute liver failure, the first 4 months are critical. This is the time span in which patients have to wait either for a donor organ or until significant improvement has occurred under conventional therapy. For patients with severe neurological symptoms, it is important that they are treated with fairly high doses over several years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hefter
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Theodor S Kruschel
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Max Novak
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dietmar Rosenthal
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Departments of Gastroenterology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Kliniken Maria Hilf GmbH Mönchengladbach, 41063 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Christian J Hartmann
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sara Samadzadeh
- Departments of Neurology, University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Unverstät zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Regional Health Research and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Slagelse Hospital, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Squires JE, Alonso EM, Ibrahim SH, Kasper V, Kehar M, Martinez M, Squires RH. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Position Paper on the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Acute Liver Failure. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 74:138-158. [PMID: 34347674 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare, rapidly progressive clinical syndrome with significant morbidity and mortality. The phenotype of PALF manifests as abrupt onset liver dysfunction, which can be brought via disparate etiology. Management is reliant upon intensive clinical care and support, often provided by the collaborative efforts of hepatologists, critical care specialists, and liver transplant surgeons. The construction of an age-based diagnostic approach, the identification of a potential underlying cause, and the prompt implementation of appropriate therapy can be lifesaving; however, the dynamic and rapidly progressive nature of PALF also demands that diagnostic inquiries be paired with monitoring strategies for the recognition and treatment of common complications of PALF. Although liver transplantation can provide a potential life-saving therapeutic option, the ability to confidently determine the certainness that liver transplant is needed for an individual child has been hampered by a lack of adequately tested clinical decision support tools and accurate predictive models. Given the accelerated progress in understanding PALF, we will provide clinical guidance to pediatric gastroenterologists and other pediatric providers caring for children with PALF by presenting the most recent advances in diagnosis, management, pathophysiology, and associated outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James E Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Estella M Alonso
- Department Pediatric Hepatology, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samar H Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Vania Kasper
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Liver Diseases, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - Mohit Kehar
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mercedes Martinez
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physician and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Robert H Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schroeder SM, Matsukuma KE, Medici V. Wilson disease and the differential diagnosis of its hepatic manifestations: a narrative review of clinical, laboratory, and liver histological features. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1394. [PMID: 34733946 PMCID: PMC8506558 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective The goal of the present work is to provide an overview of the differential diagnosis of Wilson disease. Background Wilson disease is a rare condition due to copper accumulation primarily in the liver and brain. Although there is no definitive cure, current anti-copper treatments are associated with better outcomes if initiated early and if the diagnosis is made promptly. However, diagnostic delays are frequent and often Wilson disease represents a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis ultimately relies on a combination of clinical, laboratory and genetic findings, and it is crucial that clinicians list Wilson disease in their differential diagnosis, especially in patients presenting with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury. Some biochemical and liver histological features of Wilson disease overlap with those of more common conditions including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. In particular, hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte glycogenated nuclei, ballooning degeneration, and Mallory-Denk bodies are often identified in Wilson disease as well as more common liver diseases. In addition, the natural history of liver damage in Wilson disease and the risk of developing liver cancer are largely understudied. Methods We conducted an enlarged review of published papers on Wilson disease focusing on its diagnosis and distinctive clinical and liver pathology features in relation to common non-cholestatic liver diseases with the final goal in aiding clinicians in the diagnostic process of this rare but treatable condition. Conclusions Aside from markedly altered copper metabolism, Wilson disease has essentially no pathognomonic features that can distinguish it from more common liver diseases. Clinicians should be aware of this challenge and consider Wilson disease in patients presenting with a hepatocellular pattern of liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Schroeder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Karen E Matsukuma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Valentina Medici
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stankiewicz R, Patkowski W, Zieniewicz K. Diagnostic Dilemma and Treatment Outcome in Acute Liver Failure Due to Wilson's Disease. Ann Transplant 2021; 26:e930146. [PMID: 34001844 PMCID: PMC8140524 DOI: 10.12659/aot.930146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wilson’s disease (WD) manifesting as acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition, and spontaneous recovery is rare. Diagnostic scores like the alkaline phosphatase elevation/total bilirubin elevation ratio and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio can distinguish WD from other ALF etiologies. Liver transplantation plays a major role in treating these patients, and the revised Wilson Index is useful in patient selection for this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic scores, treatments, and outcomes of a large cohort of patients with WD-ALF. Material/Methods Twenty adult patients of a historical cohort admitted from January 2001 to December 2017 were prospectively observed. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiology data, and treatment, time on the waiting list for liver transplantation, and outcomes were recorded. Results No diagnostic laboratory scores were 100% positive in patients with WD-ALF. Cut-off values for the alkaline phosphatase/total bilirubin ratio and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio were met by 65.0% and 80.0% of patients, respectively. All patients met at least 1 criterion for high risk of death (Nazer or revised Wilson Index) and qualified for liver transplantation. In 9 patients, albumin dialysis was used before surgery. Survival after liver transplantation was 85.0% and 74.4% after 1 month and 1 year, respectively. Conclusions Further research on a novel diagnostic score in WD-ALF is warranted. Adult patients suspected to have WD as the cause of ALF should be treated in the referral liver transplantation unit. Liver transplantation makes long-term survival possible for patients with this critical illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Stankiewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Waldemar Patkowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zieniewicz
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fang WY, Abuduxikuer K, Shi P, Qiu YL, Zhao J, Li YC, Zhang XY, Wang NL, Xie XB, Lu Y, Knisely AS, Wang JS. Pediatric Wilson disease presenting as acute liver failure: Prognostic indices. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:3273-3286. [PMID: 34002136 PMCID: PMC8107887 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i14.3273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute liver failure (ALF) can be a primary presentation of Wilson disease (WD). Mortality rates are high in WD with ALF (WDALF). Predictions of mortality in WDALF vary by model and are sometimes contradictory, perhaps because few patients are studied or WD diagnoses are questionable.
AIM To determine the outcomes among well-documented WDALF patients and assess mortality model performance in this cohort.
METHODS We reviewed the medical records of our pediatric WDALF patients (n = 41 over 6-years-old, single-center retrospective study) and compared seven prognostic models (King’s College Hospital Criteria, model for end-stage liver disease/pediatric end-stage liver disease scoring systems, Liver Injury Unit [LIU] using prothrombin time [PT] or international normalized ratio [INR], admission LIU using PT or INR, and Devarbhavi model) with one another.
RESULTS Among the 41 Han Chinese patients with ALF, WD was established by demonstrating ATP7B variants in 36. In 5 others, Kayser-Fleischer rings and Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia permitted diagnosis. Three died during hospitalization and three underwent liver transplantation (LT) within 1 mo of presentation and survived (7.3% each); 35 (85.4%) survived without LT when given enteral D-penicillamine and zinc-salt therapy with or without urgent plasmapheresis. Parameters significantly correlated with mortality included encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, bilirubin, ammonia, and serum sodium levels. Area under the receiver operating curves varied among seven prognostic models from 0.981 to 0.748 with positive predictive values from 0.214 to 0.429.
CONCLUSION WDALF children can survive and recover without LT when given D-penicillamine and Zn with or without plasmapheresis, even after enlisting for LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yuan Fang
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Kuerbanjiang Abuduxikuer
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Medical Statistics Department, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yi-Ling Qiu
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Li
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Zhang
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Neng-Li Wang
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xin-Bao Xie
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - A S Knisely
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Jian-She Wang
- Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Das MC, Sen Sarma M, Srivastava A, Yachha SK, Poddar U. Effect of chelation therapy in pediatric Wilson's disease: Liver and endoscopic outcome. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2020; 28:336-345. [PMID: 32745371 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As there is paucity of exclusive literature on pediatric hepatic Wilson's disease (WD), this study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of chelation on hepatocellular function and portal hypertension in WD. METHODS Wilson's disease patients with ≥9 months of follow-up were evaluated for response to chelation therapy in the following categories: (a) complete remission, (b) partial remission (c) progression of disease; (d) drug toxicity. Pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD), Nazar and New Wilson Index scores were compared. Hemodynamically stable patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (baseline and surveillance) and received prophylaxis (primary or secondary). Endoscopic outcome was assessed at follow-up. RESULTS Of the 111 WD children (aged 9 [3-15] years; PELD score 16 [-11 to 60]), 65 with follow-up of 3.6 (0.8-12) years on chelation (83% D-penicillamine monotherapy, 17% D-penicillamine and zinc) were analyzed. 81% had severe disease at presentation. Favorable outcome (complete and or partial remission), progression of disease and drug toxicity were seen in 71%, 29% and 10.8%, respectively. Two-thirds had esophageal varices which did not show progression. Large esophageal varices (16%) were effectively downgraded in 3 (2-6) therapeutic endoscopic sessions. Nazar score and PELD score at baseline were independent predictors of outcome with favorable correlation with each other (r = .864, P < .001). PELD cutoff 9.45 (AUC: 71%, sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 50%; P = .009) and Nazar score cut off 3.5 (AUC: 68%, sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 50%; P = .02) were associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Despite severe liver disease, the majority of hepatic WD can be managed on D-penicillamine monotherapy. PELD score and Nazar score effectively determine the outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mridul Chandra Das
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Moinak Sen Sarma
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Anshu Srivastava
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Surender Kumar Yachha
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Ujjal Poddar
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| |
Collapse
|