Prognosis
In general, if the treatment begins early, patients generally have a normal quality and quantity of life. If liver failure is only mild to moderate (Nazer score ≤9, New Wilson Index score ≤10), liver function can recover.[64]
Liver function typically improves within 2-6 months of treatment, while neurological symptoms improve in about 50% to 60% of patients over 1-3 years of treatment.[4] The more severely affected the patient at the start of therapy, the more residual symptoms tend to persist.
Unless the liver receives further insult (e.g., viral hepatitis, drug damage), and if the patient complies with therapy, liver function will probably be adequate for a normal life span. Some patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension may have those issues remain, and there is a continuing risk of variceal bleeding. This risk lessens over years of medical therapy.
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