Wilson's Dz

[jibbsie]

This is just to add to what Step1 said in the chat about Wison dz being characterized by high free Copper, but not elevated total copper.
Biochemical diangosis of Wilson's dz is based on decreased serum cerruloplamin, increased hepatic copper content and increased urinary excretion of copper. Serum copper levels are of no diagnostic value becaue they may be high, low or normal, depending on the stage of the disease. :shock:

[Anonymous]

I think that was the point that goljan was making. Dont be fooled by the distractor saying "high total copper" because that is not relevant. The free copper is what has an effect, so the total copper doesn't matter. But he's not saying to measure the free copper to get a diagnosis. Goljan is just making a point that you should not rely on the total copper because it doesn't make any difference and can even be low for that matter. If you think about it, you're both making the same points.