Wilson's Disease Genes example essay topic

Wilson's Disease Wilson's Disease, scientifically known as Hepatolendicular Degeneration, is an inherited disorder in with excessive amounts of copper accumulate in the body. Although Wilson's Disease begins at birth, symptoms usually occur between the ages of 6 and 40. Symptoms can be serious such as liver disease, or minor such as drooling and trembling. This paper will explain the following about Wilson " sDisease: the symptoms and consequences, treatment and diagnosis, and how it.

As mentioned before the symptoms can be very serious or minor. Liver disease, the most dangerous symptom occurs in about 40% of patients. While nearly all patients show minor symptoms of and psychiatric such as tremor, rigidity, drooling, speech slurs, personality changes, inappropriate behavior, deterioration of school work, and a brownish ring in the margin of the cornea. Wilson's disease is easily diagnosed, but must be done very early. Both urine and blood tests are taken from the possible patient, along with liver bio spies, to examine the possibly contaminated organ. Treatment involves removing the excess copper found in the body, and preventing of copper.

Lifelong therapy is needed to keep copper out of the body. Zinc acetate is the newest drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of Wilson's Disease. Other drugs used for treatment and prevention are and. In severe cases liver transplants are needed for patients. Treatment is extremely important in Wilson " sDisease.

Stopping treatment can result in death of a patient in as little as three months. Wilson's disease is an inherited disease from both parents. It is not sex linked, occuring equally in both males and females. In order for the disease to occur, both parents must carry and affected gene, which then passes on to the affected child.

In the end, the child must have two affected genes. If the child only carries one affected gene, he she is known as a carrier (they can pass on the disease), and will not be ill. The disease affects chromosome 13 in humans, and is known as ATP 7 B. Wilson's Disease genes are affected by spontaneous mutations done to them. Thirty different mutations were so far found among tested patients. The disease is known to be passed on from generation to generation in several cases, yet most patients do not show family history of the disease. Wilson's Disease is a serious and fatal, if not properly treated, disease.

Treatment can get rid of the disease but must be lifelong to prevent copper. The disease is not easily inherited due to the fact that the child an affected gene from each parent. Wilson's disease is currently being researched and new drugs are being made to prevent and treat affected patients.