Acute hemolytic anemia as the first manifestation of Wilson's disease:: report of two cases.

Introduction, - The liver and central nervous system are the usual targets of Wilson's disease, an inherited disorder of copper metabolism. Severe hemolytic anemia is an unusual complication of Wilson's disease. Exegesis, - We report two cases of Wilson's disease revealed by acute intravascular hemolytic anemia associated with liver failure. Blood smear analysis showed stippled red cells in one case; hemolytic anemia improved within a few weeks in both patients but progressive liver failure required transplantation in the other. Hemolysis probably results from the toxic effect of free serum copper on erythrocyte membrane. Conclusion, - Diagnosis of Wilson's disease must be considered in case of acute hemolytic anemia associated with liver failure in young adults. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.