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Accumulation and Analysis of Cuprous Ions in a Copper Sulfate Plating Solution
Published on: March 20, 2019
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Not so Element-ary: A Copper Conundrum
Muhammad Asghar1, Uzair Khan1, Emily Horvath1
1Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, USA.
Cureus
|September 28, 2020
Summary
Copper deficiency can occur after bariatric surgery, even with supplementation. This case highlights a patient with persistent copper deficiency due to undiagnosed Wilson
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Copper is an essential micronutrient vital for numerous enzymatic functions and maintaining homeostasis.
- Copper deficiency is uncommon but can arise in conditions affecting nutrient absorption, such as post-bariatric surgery.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male, following a duodenal switch procedure, presented with copper deficiency.
- The deficiency persisted despite intensive oral and intravenous copper supplementation.
Findings:
- The patient's refractory copper deficiency led to further investigation.
- Underlying heterozygous Wilson's disease was diagnosed as the cause of the persistent deficiency.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering genetic disorders in refractory nutrient deficiencies.
- It suggests that Wilson's disease should be evaluated in patients with unexplained copper deficiency, especially post-bariatric surgery.
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