Wilson's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Wilson's Disease, including details on treatment, causes, symptoms, medication. | ||||||||
|
A case study: identifying a new case of Wilson's disease.Noble JA Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA. janoble@bsu.edu PURPOSE: To present a case of Wilson's disease that presented with fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and splenomegaly. Patient information, diagnostic tests, etiology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, medical treatment, nursing interventions, patient education, and research findings related to Wilson's disease are discussed. DATA SOURCES: Case study and scientific literature from Internet, journals, and medical textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Wilson's disease is a hereditary, autosomal-recessive disease affecting copper excretion. As copper accumulates, signs and symptoms appear. Individuals often present with nonspecific findings, making diagnosis difficult. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article reviews this rare but potentially devastating disease. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent copper accumulation leading to hepatic cirrhosis, basal ganglia degeneration, and irreversible organ damage. Published 18 November 2005 in J Am Acad Nurse Pract, 17(12): 512-7.
© 2005-2008 Wilson's Disease Research Today. All Rights Reserved. |
| ||||||
