Medical expert of the article
New publications
Wilson-Conovalov disease - Prognosis
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Without treatment, Wilson's disease progresses and leads to the death of patients. The greatest danger is when the disease remains undiagnosed and the patient dies without receiving treatment.
In the acute neurological form, the prognosis is unfavorable, since cystic changes in the basal ganglia are irreversible. In the chronic course, the prognosis depends on early diagnosis, preferably before the onset of symptoms. The results of 6-month continuous therapy with penicillamine have significant prognostic value. In one study, treatment in 16 patients with an asymptomatic course of the disease allowed not only to save their lives, but also to eliminate the clinical manifestations of the disease. In addition, in 16 out of 22 patients with clinical manifestations of Wilson's disease, more than two years of treatment led to the disappearance of symptoms. In dystonia, the prognosis is less favorable, since treatment with chelators is ineffective. Cases of normal pregnancy carried to term with successful treatment of Wilson's disease have been described, and no negative effect of penicillamine on the fetus was noted.
In chronic hepatitis, treatment may be ineffective. In one study, 9 of 17 patients died. The disease with a fulminant course often ends in death, despite treatment with chelators. Unfavorable prognostic signs are jaundice, ascites, high bilirubin levels, high serum AST activity, and increased prothrombin time. Liver transplantation can save the lives of such patients.