This case takes place in Tennessee and involves a twenty-six-year old patient who went to her doctor because of chronically elevated liver enzymes. The patient had a history of depression, eating disorders, and arthralgia. In 2008, she was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and continued to have elevated ALT’s, AST’s, and bilirubin that went untreated. In 2012, the patient was hospitalized for severe liver failure and was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease. The patient had a liver transplant and is now awaiting a second transplantation.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. What is your experience with Wilson's disease?
2. Would an earlier diagnosis have changed the outcome?
Expert Witness Response E-005983
My specialty is in hepatology and liver transplantation. I have cared for many patients with Wilson’s disease and my entire clinical practice is centered on the management of patients with liver disease and issues of liver transplantation. Left untreated, Wilson's disease tends to become progressively worse and is eventually fatal. With early detection and treatment, most of those affected can live relatively normal lives. Liver and neurologic damage that occurs prior to treatment may improve, but it is often permanent. I believe that this patient’s disease should have been diagnosed earlier, which would have absolutely altered her prognosis.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
