Role of copper in Indian childhood cirrhosis

One hundred and twenty cases of Indian childhood cirrhosis (ICC) were studied. Most of the children presented in the clinical and histological grade II of the disease. Serum copper values in 32 prospective patients were significantly raised in comparison with values in normal controls. Hepatic copper content estimated in 82 liver biopsies revealed an increase in hepatic copper content showing a significant correlation with the histological grade of the disease. All cases were breastfed. Use of brass utensils to boil or store milk fed to ICC children was not seen in 46% of cases, although their serum copper values were raised. Serum and hepatic copper is raised in ICC. Dietary copper as a source of this raised copper seems unlikely. The most probable cause could be a defect in the metabolism of copper in ICC patients.