Not so Element-ary: A Copper Conundrum.

Cureus

Clinical Nutrition, OSF Healthcare, Peoria, USA.

Published: August 2020

AI Article Synopsis

  • Copper is a vital micronutrient necessary for many enzymatic functions, and its deficiency is uncommon due to the small amounts required for health.
  • Deficiencies can arise, particularly in cases of malabsorption, such as following bariatric surgeries.
  • A case study is presented of a 70-year-old man with persisting copper deficiency after a duodenal switch procedure, which was eventually linked to an underlying heterozygous Wilson's disease despite intensive copper supplementation.

Article Abstract

Copper is an essential micronutrient required for a number of enzymatic activities. Deficiency is relatively rare as only trace amounts are needed to maintain homeostasis. Deficiencies however do occur and are most commonly seen in malabsorptive states such as after bariatric surgeries. Herein, we present an interesting case of copper deficiency diagnosed in a 70-year-old male patient post duodenal switch procedure which persisted despite aggressive oral and intravenous copper supplementation. This lack of response to supplementation prompted further evaluation, leading to a diagnosis of underlying heterozygous Wilson's disease.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7510182PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.9950DOI Listing

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