A 23-year-old male college student has a history of liver cirrhosis due to Kimmelstiel-Wilson syndrome (abnormality in copper metabolism). He should be treated with which of the following?
Penicillamine as soon as the diagnosis is established
Penicillamine after variceal bleeding has occurred
A portocaval shunt
Sclerosis of the esophageal varices as a prophylactic measure
Penicillamine counteracts the adverse effects of copper on the liver in patients with Kimmelstiel-Wilson syndrome. This has been demonstrated in both humans and animals afflicted with this disease. Portocaval shunt and esophageal varices are not indicated prophylactically.
Pancreas