Paper

Oral Zinc Sulphate as Long-Term Treatment in Wilson's Disease (Hepatolenticular Degeneration)
T.U. Hoogenraad, R. Koevoet, E.G.W.M. de Ruyter Korver

Department of Neurology State University Hospital, Utrecht

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Neurol 1979;18:205-211 (DOI: 10.1159/000115077)

  Key Words

• Wilson's disease
• Zinc sulphate
• D-Penicillamine
• Ceruloplasmin
• Kayser-Fleischer

  Abstract

Clinical amelioration, clearance of Kayser-Fleischer rings and rising of ceruloplasmin concentration are described in a patient with the classical findings of Wilson's disease. These changes occurred during a 14-year period in which he used oral zinc sulphate (three times daily 200 mg) as the only medication to influence copper metabolism. Before starting this long-term zinc sulphate therapy he had used D-penicillamine (three times daily 300 mg) for only 6 weeks. The antagonistic action of zinc sulphate on copper resorption with amelioration of the clinical condition has been described before in this patient in 1961 by Schouwink. The patient had used at that time oral zinc sulphate for approximately 1.5 years. No changes in Kayser-Fleischer rings and ceruloplasmin levels were mentioned. Our findings suggest that oral zinc sulphate may not only prevent storage of copper in the tissues but may also contribute to the mobilization and excretion of deposits of copper.

Copyright © 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. T.U. Hoogenraad, Department of Neurology, State University Hospital, Nicolaas Beetsstraat 24, Utrecht (The Netherlands)

  Article Information

Received: September 7, 1978
Accepted: September 29, 1978
Published online: January 29, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 7