Complications

Untreated, Wilson's disease can be fatal. Serious complications include:

• Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). As liver cells try to make repairs to damage done by excess copper, scar tissue forms in the liver, making it more difficult for the liver to function.
• Liver failure. This can occur suddenly (acute liver failure), or it can develop slowly over years. A liver transplant might be a treatment option.
• Persistent neurological problems. Tremors, involuntary muscle movements, clumsy gait and speech difficulties usually improve with treatment for Wilson's disease. However, some people have persistent neurological difficulty despite treatment.
• Kidney problems. Wilson's disease can damage the kidneys, leading to problems such as kidney stones and an abnormal number of amino acids excreted in the urine.
• Psychological problems. These might include personality changes, depression, irritability, bipolar disorder or psychosis.
• Blood problems. These might include destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) leading to anemia and jaundice.