Symptoms of copper deficiency

Symptoms of copper deficiency

What are the clinical features of copper deficiency? 

The main neurologic symptom of copper deficiency is gait difficulty.

Examination shows predominantly large fiber sensory loss in the distal legs, spasticity in the lower extremities, hyperreflexia, and extensor plantar responses.

Nerve conduction studies and needle EMG show an axonal sensorimotor neuropathy.

Somatosensory evoked potential study shows impairment of central conduction.

Anemia is a known associated laboratory finding, but the neurologic symptoms can be present in the absence of hematologic abnormalities.

Risk factors include zinc overdose, gastric bypass, surgery, malabsorption syndrome, total parenteral nutrition without adequate copper supplementation, gastrectomy and small bowel resection, as well as nephrotic syndrome.

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