Peripheral neuropathy in copper deficient Wilson′s disease due to excessive copper removal: a case report and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To report a case of peripheral neuropathy secondary to copper deficiency (CD) by long-term decoppering chelation in Wilson′s disease (WD) to enhance understanding of the disease, and to pay more attention to individualized treatment of WD. @*Methods@#A case of WD diagnosed 12 years ago confirmed by gene detection and since then treated with anti-copper agent was diagnosed as CD based peripheral neuropathy and significant neutropenia and followed up for six months, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, electrophysiology, imaging features were summarized. The related literatures were reviewed. @*Results@#A total of 16 cases of WD complicated with CD were reviewed and analyzed, including seven males and nine females aged 13-56 years. All of them were treated with zinc for 1-38 years, and nine cases with peripheral neuropathy. Hematological indicators can be significantly improved and neurological symptoms can be partially alleviated after stopping copper removal treatment. @*Conclusions@#Peripheral neuropathy in a WD with treatment-related CD may occur in blind treatment, irregular treatment monitoring and without individualized treatment adjustment. It is necessary to monitor blood routine, copper and zinc metabolism regularly and advocate individualized treatment of WD.