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Copper toxicosis in an Australian child
1Department of Pathology, University of Queensland Medical School, Herston, Qld. 4006, Australia. n.walker@mailbox.uq.edu.au
European Journal of Medical Research
|June 29, 1999
Summary
A child developed liver failure from excess copper in formula. This highlights the risk of copper toxicity from household water, a condition known as idiopathic copper toxicosis (ICT).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Idiopathic copper toxicosis (ICT) is a rare liver disease.
- Copper accumulation in the liver can lead to severe hepatic damage.
- Environmental factors can contribute to copper overload.
Observation:
- A 20-month-old child in rural Australia presented with acute liver failure.
- The child was exposed from birth to milk formula prepared with acidic bore water.
- The bore water contained excess copper leached from copper household piping.
Findings:
- The child's liver pathology was identical to Indian childhood cirrhosis and ICT.
- This mirrors a similar Australian case reported over 20 years ago.
- The findings suggest a link between household water copper content and pediatric liver disease.
Implications:
- ICT is rare in Australia despite potential environmental risks.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring water quality for copper content.
- Public health awareness regarding copper toxicity from water sources is crucial.