What is the definitive treatment for liver failure in Wilson's disease?

The definitive treatment for liver failure in Wilson's disease is liver transplant. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that leads to excessive accumulation of copper in the body, primarily affecting the liver and brain. In cases of liver failure resulting from this condition, a liver transplant may be necessary as it addresses both the severe damage caused by copper accumulation and provides a cure for the underlying metabolic disorder.

A liver transplant replaces the diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor, effectively removing the excess copper and halting the progression of liver dysfunction. Without this intervention, patients may face life-threatening complications from liver failure.

Other treatment options like hepatitis vaccination, surgical shunting, and antioxidant therapy do not provide a definitive cure for liver failure caused by Wilson's disease. Hepatitis vaccination can help prevent liver infections, which is important for overall liver health, but it does not address the underlying copper accumulation. Surgical shunting is a procedure that can relieve pressure in the liver but is not a solution for the root cause of Wilson's disease. Antioxidant therapy may provide some supportive benefits but does not remove copper or restore liver function. Therefore, liver transplant remains the only effective definitive treatment for patients experiencing liver failure due to Wilson's disease.