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Wilson's Disease
Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder causing copper to accumulate in the liver, brain and other organs. Early detection and care are essential. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides comprehensive, personalized treatment plans, advanced testing and therapies.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Inheritance of two defective copies of the ATP7B gene
Family history of Wilson's disease
Typical onset between ages 5 and 35
Both parents must be carriers to pass the condition on
Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue or unexplained tiredness
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Mood swings, irritability, or depression
Tremors or involuntary muscle movements
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Kayser-Fleischer rings (copper deposits) around the corneas
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Wilson's Disease Presenting as?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms—especially epigastric pain, fatigue, and jaundice—along with family history and any neuropsychiatric changes.
Blood Tests
We measure ceruloplasmin and serum copper levels to look for the characteristic low ceruloplasmin and high free copper.
24-Hour Urine Test
This test quantifies urinary copper excretion, confirming excess copper loss through the kidneys.
Eye Exam
A slit-lamp examination checks for Kayser-Fleischer rings—copper deposits at the corneal margin.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound evaluates liver size, texture, and signs of chronic liver disease.
MRI can detect early brain changes if neurological symptoms accompany your epigastric pain.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
When noninvasive tests are inconclusive, a liver biopsy measures hepatic copper content and assesses the degree of liver injury.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Wilson's disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Personalized low-copper meal plans to limit shellfish, nuts, chocolate, and organ meats
Recommendations for staying hydrated and enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables
Ongoing education and support on how diet controls copper buildup
2. Medications
Chelating therapies such as penicillamine or trientine to remove excess copper
Frequent monitoring of blood and 24-hour urine copper levels and ceruloplasmin
Careful dose adjustments based on lab results and management of side effects
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Non-surgical liver assessments with ultrasound, MRI, or FibroScan
Targeted liver biopsies using minimally invasive techniques when needed
Collaboration with transplant experts for advanced liver failure care
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Wilson's disease diagnosed?
Through blood tests to check ceruloplasmin and copper levels, a 24-hour urine copper test, slit-lamp eye exam for Kayser-Fleischer rings, and liver imaging (ultrasound or MRI).
What foods should I avoid?
Avoid high-copper foods such as shellfish, nuts, chocolate, liver, and other organ meats. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water.
How long does treatment take to work?
Most patients begin to feel better within 3 to 6 months after starting chelation therapy and making dietary changes.
Are there side effects to the medications?
Some patients experience nausea, joint pain, or skin rash. Dr. Nguyen monitors your blood work and adjusts doses to minimize side effects.
Is Wilson's disease curable?
There's no cure, but lifelong treatment with chelators and a low-copper diet can control copper levels and prevent organ damage.
Is it genetic?
Yes. Wilson's disease requires inheriting two copies of the faulty gene—one from each parent—to develop the condition.
