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Gastrointestinal side effects in children with Wilson's disease treated with zinc sulphate

Anna Wiernicka1, Wojciech Jańczyk, Maciej Dądalski

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Malnutrition, the Children's Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Zinc sulphate therapy for pediatric Wilson

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Rare Diseases
  • Pharmacovigilance

Background:

  • Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder of copper metabolism.
  • Zinc sulphate is a therapeutic option for Wilson's disease, particularly in pediatric cases.
  • Understanding treatment-related side effects is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the gastrointestinal side effects of zinc sulphate therapy in Polish pediatric Wilson's disease patients.
  • To assess the incidence and nature of adverse events associated with zinc sulphate treatment.
  • To inform clinical monitoring protocols for children undergoing zinc sulphate therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 53 pediatric patients diagnosed with Wilson's disease.
  • Patients treated with zinc sulphate between 1996-2011 at a tertiary pediatric center.
  • Data collected on diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and efficacy, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy in symptomatic cases.

Main Results:

  • Gastrointestinal side effects were reported in 40% of pediatric patients.
  • Common side effects included abdominal pain, leading to esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealing ulcerations/erosions.
  • Proton pump inhibitors were partially effective; some patients required a switch to D-penicillamine.

Conclusions:

  • Zinc sulphate therapy is associated with significant gastrointestinal adverse events in pediatric Wilson's disease.
  • Close monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms is essential during zinc sulphate treatment.
  • Alternative therapies may be necessary for patients experiencing severe side effects.
Abstract

Keywords:
Abdominal painGastrointestinal ulcerTherapyWilson’s diseaseZinc

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