First Wilson’s Disease case Recorded at KBTH

Rare Case of Wilson’s Disease Recorded in Ghanaian Boy

The Child Health Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has recorded a rare case of Wilson’s Disease in a 13-year-old boy. This condition, which is believed to be the first in the country, is said to affect only one out of 30,000 people in developed countries.

According to Professor Ebenezer Badoe, Head of the Neuro-Developmental Clinic, Department of Child Health, KBTH, the boy was diagnosed with the fatal genetic disease after his mother detected his deteriorating handwriting. The boy’s condition had progressed to the point where he had lost his motor skills and was experiencing a change in his gait.

Wilson’s disease is an inherited disorder that causes too much copper to accumulate in the organs, particularly the liver, brain, and eyes. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 12 and 23 and include swelling, fatigue, abdominal pain, and uncontrolled or poorly coordinated movements.

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Fortunately, the disease is treatable, but at a cost. The patient requires GH¢450 every month to stay alive. Professor Badoe expressed concern about the cost involved and called on well-meaning Ghanaians, philanthropists, and institutions to help buy the drugs for the young boy.

The diagnosis was made after several tests, including an advanced genetic test for both parents and the child, which was done in the United States of America at a cost of $8,000. The test confirmed that the boy had an “Autosomal recessive inheritance” of the disease, which means he inherited the condition from both parents.

Professor Badoe praised the boy’s mother for her vigilance in detecting her son’s condition and seeking prompt medical attention. The mother had noticed that her son was not bringing his homework to school and was unable to write his own name. She then sought help from a nurse in church, who referred her to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

The hospital’s medical staff were initially puzzled by the boy’s condition but eventually referred him to KBTH, where he was finally diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease. The diagnosis was made after several tests, including an MRI scan.

Professor Badoe of KBTH emphasized the importance of early detection and diagnosis of rare conditions such as Wilson’s Disease.

He urged teachers and caregivers to be trained to recognize simple changes in children under their care so that they can report for further study to be done for early diagnosis of conditions among children.

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