disorders of nutrition
Wilson Disease
Introduction
In Wilson disease, a rare hereditary disorder, the liver does not excrete excesscopperinto the bile as it normally does, resulting in accumulation ofcopperin the liver and liver damage. Copperaccumulates in the liver, brain, eyes, and other organs. People with Wilson disease may have tremors, difficulty speaking and swallowing, problems with coordination, personality changes, or hepatitis. Blood tests and eye examinations help confirm the diagnosis. People must take drugs to removecopperand must avoid foods high incopperfor the rest of their life. (See also Overview of Minerals .) accumulates in the liver and damages it, causing Cirrhosis of the Liver and Wilson disease affects about 1 person in 30,000. 