1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Wilson's Disease Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Wilson disease is an infrequent inherited disease that leads to the collection of copper, which destroys the liver and the brain. Dr. Scott in GastroDoxs is a Houston professional who offers care including blood tests, urine analysis, dietary advice, and referrals to transplantation.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Mutation in the ATP7B gene affecting copper excretion
Autosomal recessive inheritance pattern
Positive family history of Wilson's disease
Onset of symptoms typically between ages 5 and 35
Low ceruloplasmin levels leading to impaired copper transport
Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue or general weakness
Abdominal pain or swelling
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Muscle stiffness, tremors, or shaking
Speech difficulties and poor coordination
Mood changes, including anxiety, depression, or irritability
Kayser-Fleischer rings (copper deposits in the cornea)
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Wilson's Disease?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He examines your family history, questions about epigastric pain, fatigue, jaundice, and nervous system symptoms, and then reviews liver and nervous system specific examinations.
Blood Tests
We measure serum ceruloplasmin (often low), total serum copper, and liver enzymes to assess for copper overload and liver injury.
24-Hour Urine Copper Test
This test quantifies how much copper your body is excreting-elevated levels strongly suggest Wilson's disease.
Eye Examination
An ophthalmologist looks for Kayser-Fleischer rings, the golden-brown copper deposits at the edge of the cornea.
Imaging Studies
Liver ultrasound checks for structural changes and rules out other causes of epigastric discomfort.
Brain MRI may reveal copper-related changes in the basal ganglia if neurologic signs are present.
Advanced Testing (If Needed)
The diagnosis can be determined by liver biopsy on which a quantitative assessment that includes copper is done in order to identify the degree of liver damage.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Wilson's disease.
Modifications of Lifestyle and Diet
Foods high in copper to be avoided are shellfish, nuts, chocolate, mushrooms, and organ meat.
Take more water every day to help the copper excretion.
Meet with a GastroDoxs nutritionist individually to be provided with a custom low-copper diet.
Medications
Help remove excess copper, by binding it with chelating agents (penicillamine or trientine).
Zinc intake to inhibit gastrointestinal copper absorption.
Frequent checkups and change of doses to achieve safe copper levels.
Minimum or highly invasive Surgery
Liver transplantation referral evaluation in case of irreparable liver damage.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are typical symptoms of Wilson's disease?
The symptoms usually present looking combinations of fatigue, pain in the abdomen and jaundice. The build-up of copper in the brain can cause you to have tremors, muscle stiffness, problems with speech, or can alter your moods like anxiety and depression.
What is the diagnosis of Wilson?
Diagnosis includes blood tests to assess ceruloplasmin and copper, 24-hour urine copper test, eye examination to check on Kayser-Fleischer rings, as well as imaging or liver biopsy to assess the damage to the organ.
What are the services provided at GastroDoxs?
Dr. Scott offers personalized regimens involving diet prescription that involves dietary advice that places the patient on a low-copper intake, chelating drugs (penicillamine, trientine), zinc treatment that inhibits copper absorption and-when necessary-liver transplant referral.
Are individuals with the Wilson disease able to lead a complete life?
Yes. By having early diagnosis, life time medication and frequent follow-up treatment, majority of the patients can control their copper levels and live normal lives.
Is there some treatment in Houston?
Absolutely. Dr. At GastroDoxs, Scott and his multidisciplinary team can help care for Wilson there in Houston because the facility specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent management of the disease.
