3 years of continuous oral zinc therapy in 4 patients with Wilson's disease

Abstract

A competitive relationship exists between Cu and Zn, among other effects, excessive dietary Zn is known to decrease the absorption of Cu from the gastro-intestinal tract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of oral Zn therapy in 4 patients with Wilson''s disease, who, during a 3-yr period, took Zn as their only medication to influence their Cu metabolism. Physical examinations, oral 64Cu loading tests, plasma concentrations of Cu, Zn and ceruloplasmin, and the urinary Cu excretion were used to monitor the effect of therapy. The dosages used ranged from 3 .times. 100 to 3 .times. 400 mg ZnSO4/day. The clinical and biochemical results of the oral Zn therapy were good in all 4 patients and no toxic side-effects were seen. Oral Zn may well be a low toxic alternative to D-penicillamine in the treatment of Wilson''s disease.