Description of Renal Involvement in Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in various tissues, including the liver, nervous system, heart, and kidneys. Renal involvement in WD has been poorly studied, and systematic screening is not currently recommended. Indirect renal complications are the most common, such as hepatorenal and cardiorenal syndromes, as well as severe complications like hemolysis or rhabdomyolysis. However, literature suggests that copper may exert a direct toxic effect on renal tubular cells, leading to both proximal and distal tubular dysfunction. These may manifest through often subtle signs, such as aminoaciduria, glycosuria, hypouricemia, and low-molecular-weight proteinuria. Electrolyte imbalances of varying severity may also occur, including hypokalemia, which can cause muscle cramps and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as acid-base disorders (proximal or dis