Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate in the decoppering phase treatment of Wilson's disease with neurological symptoms: A case series

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To present our experience with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) in the decoppering phase treatment of Wilson's disease (WD) with neurological symptoms. Methods An uncontrolled longitudinal study was carried out to describe a case series of five patients diagnosed of WD with neurological symptoms in our hospital over the last 5 years and receiving ATTM for 8 (or 16) weeks. Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS) for WD and the Brewer‐adapted Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) for WD, magnetic resonance imaging, and monitoring for potential adverse effects were carried out in all patients before starting ATTM and 3 months later when ATTM was stopped and zinc treatment was initiated. Results All five patients presented neurological clinical improvement in UWDRS, GAS, and Brewer‐adapted UHDRS for WD. Neuroimaging improvement was present in 2/5 patients with brain edema reduction. Mild anemia, leukopenia, and elevation of transaminases were detected in 1 patient, with complete remission after stopping ATTM for 1 week and then restarting at a half dose. Conclusion ATTM could be a good treatment for the initial treatment of WD with neurological symptoms due to its high efficacy, with a lower rate of neurological deterioration than the drugs currently available, despite the potential adverse effects.

Keywords

• ammonium tetrathiomolybdate
• efficacy
• neurological symptoms
• safety
• Wilson's disease