In suspected cases of Wilson's disease, what are the expected laboratory findings?

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In cases of Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that leads to excessive copper accumulation in the body, the expected laboratory findings typically include low serum ceruloplasmin levels, high serum copper levels, and elevated urinary copper excretion. The reason for these findings is as follows:

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-carrying protein that helps transport copper throughout the bloodstream. In Wilson's disease, due to impaired copper metabolism and accumulation in the liver and tissues, the production of ceruloplasmin is reduced, resulting in low serum ceruloplasmin levels. While the total blood copper may appear to be high, it is important to note that the biologically active copper is primarily being deposited in tissues rather than being effectively circulated in the blood.

Moreover, because the liver is unable to excrete copper adequately, it gets secreted in higher amounts through urine. Consequently, urinary copper excretion is significantly elevated in individuals with Wilson's disease.

This aligns with the findings noted in the correct option, which states low blood copper and ceruloplasmin alongside high urinary copper excretion, accurately reflecting the pathophysiology of Wilson's disease and the expected laboratory results.

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