Prognostic value of early EEG abnormalities in severe stroke patients requiring mechanical ventilation: a pre-planned analysis of the SPICE prospective multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Prognostication of outcome in severe stroke patients necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation poses significant challenges. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance and prevalence of early electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities in adult stroke patients receiving mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This study is a pre-planned ancillary investigation within the prospective multicenter SPICE cohort study (2017-2019), conducted in 33 intensive care units (ICUs) in the Paris area, France. We included adult stroke patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, who underwent at least one intermittent EEG examination during their ICU stay. The primary endpoint was the functional neurological outcome at one year, determined using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and dichotomized as unfavorable (mRS 4-6, indicating severe disability or death) or favorable (mRS 0-3). Multivariable regression analyses were employed to identify EEG abnormalities associated with functional outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 364 patients enrolled in the SPICE study, 153 patients (49 ischemic strokes, 52 intracranial hemorrhages, and 52 subarachnoid hemorrhages) underwent at least one EEG at a median time of 4 (interquartile range 2-7) days post-stroke. Rates of diffuse slowing (70% vs. 63%, p = 0.37), focal slowing (38% vs. 32%, p = 0.15), periodic discharges (2.3% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.9), and electrographic seizures (4.5% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.4) were comparable between patients with unfavorable and favorable outcomes. Following adjustment for potential confounders, an unreactive EEG background to auditory and pain stimulations (OR 6.02, 95% CI 2.27-15.99) was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes. An unreactive EEG predicted unfavorable outcome with a specificity of 48% (95% CI 40-56), sensitivity of 79% (95% CI 72-85), and positive predictive value (PPV) of 74% (95% CI 67-81). Conversely, a benign EEG (defined as continuous and reactive background activity without seizure, periodic discharges, triphasic waves, or burst suppression) predicted favorable outcome with a specificity of 89% (95% CI 84-94), and a sensitivity of 37% (95% CI 30-45). CONCLUSION: The absence of EEG reactivity independently predicts unfavorable outcomes at one year in severe stroke patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the ICU, although its prognostic value remains limited. Conversely, a benign EEG pattern was associated with a favorable outcome.

One-Year Outcomes in Patients With Acute Stroke Requiring Mechanical Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of patients with severe stroke remain poorly documented. We aimed to characterize one-year outcomes of patients with stroke requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study in 33 ICUs in France (2017-2019) on patients with consecutive strokes requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours. Outcomes were collected via telephone interviews by an independent research assistant. The primary end point was poor functional outcome, defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 4 to 6 at 1 year. Multivariable mixed models investigated variables associated with the primary end point. Secondary end points included quality of life, activities of daily living, and anxiety and depression in 1-year survivors. RESULTS: Among the 364 patients included, 244 patients (66.5% [95% CI, 61.7%-71.3%]) had a poor functional outcome, including 190 deaths (52.2%). After adjustment for non-neurological organ failure, age ≥70 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.38 [95% CI, 1.26-4.49]), Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 (OR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.16-3.49]), a score on the Glasgow Coma Scale <8 at ICU admission (OR, 3.43 [95% CI, 1.98-5.96]), stroke subtype (intracerebral hemorrhage: OR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.29-4.63] versus ischemic stroke: OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.06-4.00] versus subarachnoid hemorrhage: reference) remained independently associated with poor functional outcome. In contrast, a time between stroke diagnosis and initiation of mechanical ventilation >1 day was protective (OR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.33-0.94]). A sensitivity analysis conducted after exclusion of patients with early decisions of withholding/withdrawal of care yielded similar results. We observed persistent physical and psychological problems at 1 year in >50% of survivors. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe stroke requiring mechanical ventilation, several ICU admission variables may inform caregivers, patients, and their families on post-ICU trajectories and functional outcomes. The burden of persistent sequelae at 1 year reinforces the need for a personalized, multi-disciplinary, prolonged follow-up of these patients after ICU discharge. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT03335995.

Experience on switching trientine formulations in Wilson disease: Efficacy and safety after initiation of TETA 4HCl as substitute for TETA 2HCl.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This retrospective, multicenter study aims to assess the efficacy and safety in Wilson disease (WD) patients treated with trientine tetrahydrochloride (TETA 4HCl) after switch from trientine dihydrochloride (TETA 2HCl). METHODS: In total, 68 WD patients with stable copper metabolism were identified to receive TETA 4HCl (Cuprior™) after previous treatment with TETA 2HCl. We analyzed biochemical markers such as urinary copper, serum copper, non-coeruloplasmin bound copper (NCC), and transaminases as well as clinical scores (APRI; FIB-4 score) at baseline with a follow-up (FU) of 12 months. Safety of TETA 4HCl treatment was based on reported adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: The study cohort reflects a common WD cohort with a mean age of 20.3 years at diagnosis and 38.3 years at baseline. There are no significant differences concerning serum copper, NCC, transaminases, APRI, and FIB-4 score in the 3-month FU. Six-month FU revealed a decreased AST (P = 0.008), APRI (P = 0.042), and FIB-4 score (P = 0.039). GGT varied only borderline significantly in the 3-month, but not in the 6-month FU. Comparison of urinary copper within the subsets did not reveal a difference to baseline in all FUs, suggesting stable control of copper metabolism. Few AEs during TETA 4HCl treatment were reported, most commonly gastrointestinal discomfort. Only three treatments with TETA 4HCl were discontinued. CONCLUSION: Copper parameters and liver function were stable after treatment switch to TETA 4HCl. Treatment with TETA 4HCl was generally well tolerated. This study indicates that the switch from TETA 2HCl to TETA 4HCl is safe and viable.

Diagnosis and Outcomes of Late-Onset Wilson's Disease: A National Registry-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Wilson's disease (WD) is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; limited data exist on late-onset forms. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to characterize the clinical and paraclinical presentations, therapeutic management, and outcomes in patients with late-onset WD. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with WD after age 40 years were identified from the French Wilson's Disease Registry (FWDR). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings and treatment were reported at diagnosis and last follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were identified (median age: 49, range: 40-64) and placed in three groups according to their clinical presentation: neurological (n = 20, median diagnostic delay: 20 months), hepatic (n = 13, diagnostic delay: 12 months), and family screening (n = 12), all confirmed genetically. Six neurological patients had an atypical presentation (1 torticollis, 2 writer's cramps, 2 functional movement disorders, and 1 isolated dysarthria), without T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hyperintensities; 5 of 6 had no Kayser-Fleischer ring (KFR); 5 of 6 had liver involvement. In the neurological group, 84% of patients improved clinically, and 1 developed copper deficiency. In the hepatic group, 77% had cirrhosis; 6 patients required liver transplantation. In the screened group, 43% had mild liver involvement; 3 were not treated and remained stable; 24-h urinary copper excretion was normal in 33% of patients at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In the FWDR, late-onset forms of WD affect 8% of patients, mostly with neurological presentations. Thirty percent of the neurological forms were atypical (isolated long-lasting symptoms, inconspicuous brain MRI, no KFR). With personalized treatment, prognosis was good. This study emphasized that WD should be suspected at any age and even in cases of atypical presentation. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Efficacy and Safety of Two Salts of Trientine in the Treatment of Wilson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Wilson's disease (WD) is one of the few genetic disorders that can be successfully treated with pharmacological agents. Copper-chelating agents (D-penicillamine and Trientine salts) and zinc salts have been demonstrated to be effective. There are two salts of trientine. Trientine dihydrochloride salt (TETA 2HCL) is unstable at room temperature and requires storage at 2-8 °C. Trientine tetrahydrochloride (TETA 4HCL) is a more stable salt of trientine that can be stored at room temperature. No comparative study between both of the salts of trientine has been performed to date. As the two chemical forms were available in France between 1970 and 2009, we conducted a study to evaluate their efficacy and safety profiles. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing data from the national WD registry in France. Forty-three WD patients who received TETA 2HCL or TETA 4HCL monotherapy for at least one year until 2010 were included. The primary endpoints were hepatic and neurological outcomes. Secondary endpoints were the events leading to a discontinuation of medication. RESULTS: Changes in medication were common, leading to the analysis of 57 treatment sequences of TETA 4HCL or TETA 2HCL. The mean duration of treatment sequence was significantly longer in the TETA 4 HCL group (12.6 years) than in the TETA 2HCL group (7.6 years) (p = 0.011). Ten patients experienced both trientine salts: eight stopped TETA 4 HCL (six had a hepatologic phenotype and two had a neurological phenotype) because this treatment was not available anymore (mean duration 7.4 years). Three of these patients already experienced TETA 2 HCL before the sequence. Two patients with a hepatologic phenotype (one had a previous sequence of TETA 4 HCL before) stopped TETA 2 HCL because of cold storage issues (mean duration 42.8 years). The total number of sequences was 57. All of the patients were clinically stable. No difference in efficacy was detected. Both treatments were well tolerated, except for a case of recurrence of lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in the TETA 2HCL group. The major reason for interruption of TETA 4HCL was due to a discontinuation in production of this salt. The reasons for stopping TETA 2HCL were mainly due to adherence issues largely attributed to the cold storage requirement. CONCLUSIONS: The two salts of trientine were effective in treating patients with WD. However, interruption of TETA 2HCL was frequent, linked to the cold storage requirement. As adherence to treatment is a key factor in the successful management of WD, physicians need to be even more vigilant in detecting adherence difficulties in patients receiving treatment with TETA 2HCL.

Maintenance therapy simplification using a single daily dose: A preliminary real-life feasibility study in patients with Wilson disease.

BACKGROUND: Single daily dose (SDD) is a good way to improve adherence by simplifying treatment. Efficacy data concerning patients with Wilson disease (WD) taking an SDD are lacking. AIM: To report the effectiveness of the use of SDD for the treatment of WD. METHODS: This retrospective study included WD patients followed in the French National Network who received an SDD in maintenance phase. The treatment failure was defined as a composite criterion with the occurrence of at least one of the following criterion: death, transplantation, increase of transaminases >2xULN, hepatic decompensation, neurological aggravation, severe side effects related to treatment, and/or discontinuation of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients received an SDD (D-penicillamine=13, trientine=8, zinc=5) after a median interval of 152 months after diagnosis. After one year, two patients had treatment failure: transaminitis in one, continuation of neurological deterioration in the other related to a poor compliance. After a median duration of 41 months on SDD, 3 other patients had treatment failure (transaminitis=2, treatment discontinuation=1). There was no death, no liver transplantation, no hepatic decompensation, and no severe side effects related to treatment during the follow-up. Moreover, transaminases and serum exchangeable copper were not significantly different 1 year post-switch and at last follow-up compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance therapy simplification through the use of an SDD could be considered in some WD patients. In this pilot study, SDD was effective in 21/26 patients (81%) without any concern regarding safety.

Non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of rare genetic liver diseases.

Rare genetic liver diseases can result in multi-systemic damage, which may compromise the patient's prognosis. Wilson's disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency must be investigated in any patient with unexplained liver disease. Cystic fibrosis screening of new-borns is now implemented in most high-prevalence countries. The diagnosis of these diseases can be strongly suggested with specific non-invasive tests. Molecular analysis gene for these diseases is long and tedious but is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and help for the family screening. Liver biopsy is not systematic and is discussed when it helps diagnosis. Currently, for these three diseases, non-invasive fibrosis markers could identify patients with risk of cirrhosis and complications. Rare genetic liver diseases can result in multi-systemic damage, which may compromise the patient's prognosis. Wilson's disease, must be investigated in any patient with unexplained liver disease and/or unexplained neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders. The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, biological features, including copper balance. The exchangeable copper/total copper ratio is a new sensible and specific biological marker, useful for the diagnosis of the disease. Timely diagnosis and treatment will prevent serious complications from the disease. Neurological evaluation and familial screening are essential in patients with Wilson's disease.

Adherence to treatment, a challenge even in treatable metabolic rare diseases: A cross sectional study of Wilson's disease.

Wilson's disease (WD), a rare genetic disorder responsible for copper accumulation in the body, is fatal if left untreated. Although there are effective treatments, adherence to treatment tends to be low. We evaluated the medication adherence of 139 patients using the Morisky scale. Adherence was correlated with age at diagnosis and at inclusion in the study, the form of the disease, the treatment, the duration of treatment, delivery and storage problems, depression, anxiety, the level of education, and the biological data. 32.4% of the patients had low adherence; their levels of exchangeable copper were significantly higher than those of the patients with high or medium adherence (P = .049). The average age of the patients at the time of the study was significantly higher in those with high adherence than in those with medium or low adherence (P = .043). 75.9% of the patients with high adherence had a neurological form and 26.7% of the patients with low adherence were asymptomatic (P = .0090). The duration of treatment was significantly longer in the patients with high adherence than in those with medium or low adherence (P = .0192). The type of treatment (chelators or zinc) had no impact on the level of adherence. Forty-four percent of the patients experienced problems dispensing and storing medications. Despite the availability of effective treatments for this rare disease, adherence problems occur with Wilson's disease in particular in asymptomatic patients. Although different factors are involved, sustained multidisciplinary management on a case-by-case basis is necessary.

Sleep disorders in Wilson's disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to copper overload, mainly in the liver then, in the brain. Patients with WD often complain about sleep disorders. We aimed to explore them. PATIENTS/METHODS: Sleep complaints and disease symptoms were compared in 40 patients with WD (20 patients with hepatic phenotype matched to 20 neurologic one) and 40 age, sex and BMI matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Patients with WD had more frequently (32.5 vs 10.0%, p < 0.05) and more severe (10.5 ± 6.0 vs 7.6 ± 4.8, p < 0.01) insomnia than controls and insomnia was more severe in neurologic than hepatic form of the disease (12.25 ± 5.89 vs 8.73 ± 5.8, p < 0.05). Insomnia severity was correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Compared to controls, patients reported more difficulties staying asleep and more consequences of insomnia on their quality of life. REM sleep behavior disorder was more frequent in WD (20 vs 0%, p = 0.005) than controls. Patients complained more frequently of nycturia (22.8 vs 7.6%, p = 0.003) than controls. Patients did not differ from controls for sleepiness, restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients did not report cataplexia. CONCLUSION: In patients with WD, insomnia and REM sleep behavior disorder are the two main sleep complaints. Insomnia is more frequent in neurologic than hepatic form of the disease. Severity of insomnia is associated with the severity of depressive symptoms.

Associated co-morbidities in a retrospective cohort of orthostatic tremor.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic tremor (OT) is characterized by tremor in orthostatism. Primary OT is characterized by a high-frequency tremor at surface EMG recording and assumed to be idiopathic, whereas slow-frequency OT is classically associated with neurological pathologies. We report here a retrospective monocentric cohort study of primary (fast OT) and pseudo-OT (slow OT) patients to describe associated neurological and non-neurological co-morbidities. METHODS: Between November 2014 and October 2019, 27 patients with OT were selected from the EMG database of the Department of Clinical Physiology in Lariboisière' s hospital. Patients were classified in primary OT if tremor frequency was ≥ 13 Hz and in pseudo-OT if tremor frequency was < 13 Hz. RESULTS: Leg tremor on standing represented 10.2% of all tremor recordings. Ten patients were included in the primary and 17 in the pseudo-OT group. Females were predominant (62.9%) (p = 0.04). Mean age at diagnosis was 64.8 ± 1.1 years. At the first visit, a movement disorder was associated with 30% of primary OT, among them one CADASIL patient, whereas extrapyramidal or cerebellar disorders were reported in 100% of pseudo-OT, among them three Wilson's disease patients. These pathologies all preceded primary OT and occurred concomitantly with pseudo-OT. Frequency remained unchanged during evolution, except pseudo-OT in two patients that completely resolved following the introduction of antiParkinsonian drugs. Treatment of primary OT was partially effective in 28% and in 50% of pseudo-OT patients. CONCLUSION: In this monocentric study, movement disorders were present in 30% of primary OT patients. This result questions the term "idiopathic" or "primary" OT, but the small number of patients does not allow answering this issue.

A novel deep intronic variant in ATP7B in five unrelated families affected by Wilson disease.

BACKGROUND: Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder resulting from accumulation of excess copper especially in the liver and brain. This disease is mainly characterized by hepatic disorders and less frequently by neuro-psychiatric disturbances. This recessive disease is due to mutation in ATP7B, which codes for an ATPase involved in copper-transport across the plasma membrane. Molecular diagnosis of WD is positive in approximately 98% of cases. Also, in few cases, WD patients present a single deleterious mutation (heterozygous) or no mutation after sanger and NGS standard sequencing analysis of ATP7B. Therefore, in these problematic WD cases, we hypothesized that deleterious mutations reside in intronic regions of ATP7B. METHODS: Complete ATP7B gene was sequenced by Next Generation Sequencing including its promoter. RESULTS: Five unrelated families with Wilson disease shared the same novel, deep intronic NG_008806.1 (ATP7B_v001):c.2866-1521G>A variant in ATP7B. Analysis of RNA transcripts from primary fibroblasts of one patient confirmed the deleterious impact of the intronic variant on splicing and its likely pathologic effect in this compound heterozygote. CONCLUSION: This discovery of a novel intronic mutation in ATP7B has improved the molecular diagnosis of WD in the French patient cohort to greater than 98%. Thus, we recommend complete sequencing of ATP7B gene, including introns, as a molecular diagnostic approach in cases of clinically confirmed WD which lack pathogenic exon or promoter variants in one or both alleles.

Liver transplantation as a rescue therapy for severe neurologic forms of Wilson disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with Wilson disease (WD) with severe neurologic worsening resistant to active chelation. METHODS: French patients with WD who underwent LT for pure neurologic indication were retrospectively studied. Before LT and at the last follow-up, neurologic impairment was evaluated with the Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) score, disability with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and hepatic function with the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, together with the presence of a Kayser-Fleischer ring (KFR), brain MRI scores, and copper balance. The survival rate and disability at the last follow-up were the coprimary outcomes; evolution of KFR and brain MRI were the secondary outcomes. Prognosis factors were further assessed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had LT. All were highly dependent before LT (median mRS score 5). Neurologic symptoms were severe (median UWDRS score 105), dominated by dystonia and parkinsonism. The cumulated survival rate was 88.8% at 1 year and 72.2% at 3 and 5 years. At the last follow-up, 14 patients were alive. Their mRS and UWDRS scores improved (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003). Eight patients had a major improvement (78% decrease of the UWDRS score), 4 a moderate one (41% decrease), and 2 a stable status. KFR and brain MRI scores improved (p = 0.0007). Severe sepsis (p = 0.011) and intensive care unit admission (p = 0.001) before LT were significantly associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: LT is a rescue therapeutic option that should be carefully discussed in selected patients with neurologic WD resistant to anticopper therapies (chelators or zinc salts) as it might allow patients to gain physical independency with a reasonable risk. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with WD with severe neurologic worsening resistant to active pharmacologic therapy, LT might decrease neurologic impairment.

Comprehensive and comparative exploration of the Atp7b-/- mouse plasma proteome.

Wilson's disease (WD), a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, is associated with altered expression and/or function of the copper-transporting ATP7B protein, leading to massive toxic accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. The Atp7b-/- mouse, a genetic and phenotypic model of WD, was developed to provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of WD. Many plasma proteins are secreted by the liver, and impairment of liver function can trigger changes to the plasma proteome. High standard proteomics workflows can identify such changes. Here, we explored the plasma proteome of the Atp7b-/- mouse using a mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics workflow combining unbiased discovery analysis followed by targeted quantification. Among the 367 unique plasma proteins identified, 7 proteins were confirmed as differentially abundant between Atp7b-/- mice and wild-type littermates, and were directly linked to WD pathophysiology (regeneration of liver parenchyma, plasma iron depletion, etc.). We then adapted our targeted proteomics assay to quantify human orthologues of these proteins in plasma from copper-chelator-treated WD patients. The plasma proteome changes observed in the Atp7b-/- mouse were not confirmed in these samples, except for alpha-1 antichymotrypsin, levels of which were decreased in WD patients compared to healthy individuals. Plasma ceruloplasmin was investigated in both the Atp7b-/- mouse model and human patients; it was significantly decreased in the human form of WD only. In conclusion, MS-based proteomics is a method of choice to identify proteome changes in murine models of disrupted metal homeostasis, and allows their validation in human cohorts.

Sleep Disorders in Wilson's Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aimed to review the sleep disorders described in Wilson's disease (WD), focusing on their mechanisms and treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: REM sleep behavior disorder or sleepiness can be warning signs of future WD. These early symptoms may significantly reduce the time to WD diagnosis. Early anti-copper therapies (chelators or zinc salts), reducing copper accumulation in the brain and though saving brain tissue, can allow the complete disappearance of these sleep disorders and of course improve the other symptoms of WD. Insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) are present in WD and should be explored with video polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test. Suggested immobilization test could be useful in the diagnosis of RLS in WD. Motor and non-motor symptoms, dysautonomic dysfunctions, drugs, and lesions of the circuits regulating wake and sleep may be involved in the mechanisms of these sleep abnormalities. Adapted treatments should be proposed.

Challenges in the diagnosis of Wilson disease.

The understanding and management of Wilson disease (WD) have dramatically improved since the first description of the disease by K. Wilson more than a century ago. However, the persistent long delay between the first symptoms and diagnosis emphasizes challenges in diagnosing earlier this copper overload disorder. As a treatable disease, WD should be detected early in the course of the disease by any health professionals at any care level, but the rare prevalence of the disease explains the lack of awareness of referring physicians. The most important challenge is to train physicians to recognize atypical or rare symptoms of WD that will lead to discuss the diagnosis more systematically. Atypia can come from the age of onset, the liver [non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) presentation], the central or peripheral nervous system (neuropathy, epilepsy, sleep disorders…) or may be due to lesions of other organs (renal manifestations, osteo-articular disorders or endocrine disturbances). Isolated biological anomalies, rare radiological findings or inadequate interpretation of copper test may also lead to misdiagnosis. The second challenge is to confirm the diagnosis faster and more effectively so as not to delay the initiation of treatment, and expand family screening as the genetic prevalence is higher than previously expected. Generalization of the exchangeable copper assay and the next generation sequencing (NGS) are two promising ways to overcome this ultimate challenge. By drawing attention to the earliest and rare symptoms and to new biomarkers and diagnostic tools, we hope that this article will increase diagnostic awareness and reduce delays so that patients can start their treatment earlier in the course of the illness and thus have a better disease prognosis.

New tools for Wilson's disease diagnosis: exchangeable copper fraction.

Wilson's disease (WD) biochemical markers continue to evolve. Classical tests [serum copper, serum ceruloplasmin (Cp), urinary copper] have their own limits, and they are often insufficient to diagnose or exclude WD. So, calculated estimation of copper that is not bound to Cp has been proposed, but it is flawed. Therefore, we focused our research on a direct measurement of serum copper labile fraction. Exchangeable copper (CuEXC) offers a correct view of the free copper overload. It provides information on the spread and severity of WD. Relative exchangeable copper (REC) (percentage of exchangeable to total serum copper) that appreciates the toxic fraction of copper in blood is an excellent biomarker for WD diagnosis. These two tests are reliable and non-invasive. They give rapid answers for an appropriate diagnosis and make possible to start the treatment quickly without waiting for the result of the genetic tests. As early diagnosis and treatment are the keystones of successful management of patients with WD, different teams have already applied these tests in a routine framework to a large number of patients.

Sleep Abnormalities in Wilson's Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article was to review the different sleep disorders associated with Wilson's disease (WD), their mechanisms and their treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Some of these disorders such as REM sleep behavior disorder or sleepiness can appear as a prodromal phase phenomenon in WD allowing an early treatment of the disease and sometimes a resolution of the sleep disorder. Sleep disorders in WD are frequent combining insomnia, daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome (RLS), cataplexy-like episodes, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Sleep recordings confirm these disorders. Mechanisms involved in these disorders are complex associating (a) lesions of the pathways regulating sleep and wake or mood but also controlling movement, (b) iatrogenic effects of the treatments, and (3) consequences of the motor or dysautonomic or metabolic disorders.