Treatment involves prevention of organ damage by removing iron from the body through bloodletting. Interestingly, menstruation protects women from organ damage until after menopause. In Wilson' disease, the inherited abnormality is in the protein that handles copper. Over time, copper accumulates in the liver, eyes, and brain. Cirrhosis, tremor, psychiatric disturbances and other neurological difficulties occur if the condition is not treated early.
Treatment involves oral medication to increase copper excretion in the urine.
Normally, bile produced by the liver is delivered through the bile ducts to the intestines to digest fat. In PBC, the small bile ducts within the liver become inflamed and obliterated. Lack of bile also decreases absorption of calcium and vitamin D, leading to an eventual thinning of the bones. Over time,cirrhosis develops and liver transplantation is considered. In PSC, the large bile ducts outside the liver become inflamed and obstructed.