Copper Balance Studies In Wilson's Disease

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Abstract
A LTHOUGH it is generally recognized that Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) is a genetic disorder involving a disturbance of the metabolism of copper, there are few reports related to studies of copper balance.1-3 Available data indicate that patients who have this disorder absorb greater than normal amounts of copper from the gastrointestinal tract4 and excrete less than normal amounts in the feces.5 However, the mechanisms of intestinal absorption and fecal excretion of copper remain obscure, both in normal individuals and in patients with this illness. The treatment of Wilson's disease with penicillamine is known to increase the urinary excretion of copper.6,7 Likewise, it has been stated that the oral use of either ion-exchange resins8,9 or potassium sulfide10,11 at mealtime increases the fecal content of copper. In view of the derangement of copper metabolism in this illness, treatment should be aimed at achieving a negative