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Procreation ability in Wilson's disease
1Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2nd Department of Neurology, Warsaw, Poland.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Pregnancy in Wilson's disease (WD) patients presents higher risks, including spontaneous abortions, compared to the general population. However, WD patients can still achieve successful procreation with careful management.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Wilson's disease (WD) is a genetic disorder causing copper accumulation, leading to hepatic, neurological, renal, and hormonal disturbances.
- Reproductive health, including infertility and hypogonadism, is frequently affected in WD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the procreation abilities and pregnancy outcomes in Wilson's disease patients.
- To assess the risks of congenital abnormalities and disease transmission in offspring of WD patients.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study investigated pregnancy and delivery in 31 untreated and 15 treated (D-penicillamine or zinc sulphate) women with WD.
- Procreation ability was assessed in 27 men with WD.
- Offspring were analyzed for congenital abnormalities and WD diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous abortions (26% untreated, 26.6% treated), were more frequent than in the general population.
- No major developmental abnormalities were observed in offspring of treated patients; 3 children of untreated patients had congenital heart disease.
- WD was diagnosed in 5 out of 110 children examined (from 3 families). One man with WD was impotent.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy in Wilson's disease patients, both asymptomatic and treated, carries an elevated risk of complications.
- Despite increased risks, procreation remains possible for individuals with Wilson's disease.