Wilson Disease-Patryk Swietek

Wilson Disease

Wilson disease is a genetic disorder that doesn't let your body get rid of extra copper. Copper is required for your body but having too much of it is poisonous. To get Wilson disease, you need to inherit two not normal copies of ATP7B gene from each parent. To carry the disease, you only need one. The symptoms of this disease are attacks at the liver, the nervous system or both. This results in swelling of the liver, fluid buildup and being bruised more easily. Good news is that Wilson disease can be diagnosed with physical examination and laboratory tests. It can also be treated although it requires lifelong treatment to control copper amount in body. People who get the disorder detected early get good treatment, can have good health.

ATP7B GENE

The ATP7B gene is pointed out in the image above. This gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 13.