Daily pattern of urinary copper in people with Wilson disease

Circadian Variation of Urinary Copper Excretion in Wilson Disease Patients Treated With Chelators or Zinc Salts

Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT06430359

This study will test whether urinary copper levels change during the day in people with Wilson disease and whether single spot urine samples can reflect 24-hour copper loss.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon (other)
Locations1 site (Bron, Rhone)
Trial IDNCT06430359 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will collect serial spot urine samples, a 24-hour urine, and blood tests from participants with confirmed Wilson disease who are on stable chelation or zinc therapy. Urinary copper will be measured across the day to characterize any circadian variation and to compare spot sample results with total 24-hour copper excretion. The trial includes patients aged 6–70 who can perform 24-hour urine collection and excludes those with recent treatment changes, liver transplantation, or severe renal failure. Results aim to clarify whether timing of urine collection can improve monitoring and reduce the burden of 24-hour collections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 6–70 with a confirmed Wilson disease diagnosis (Leipzig score >4), on stable D-penicillamine, trientine, or zinc therapy, and able to perform a 24-hour urine collection.

Not a fit: Patients who recently changed treatment, have undergone liver transplantation, have severe renal failure (GFR < 30 ml/min), are on long-term diuretics or corticosteroids, or cannot provide consent are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could make monitoring easier by identifying optimal timing for spot urine tests and reducing reliance on 24-hour collections.

How similar studies have performed: Small studies in healthy volunteers suggest daily rhythms in urinary copper, but there is limited prior evidence specifically in people with Wilson disease, so this application is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Wilson's Disease (Leipzig score ˃4).
* Age ≥ 6 years and ≤70 years.
* Patient able to perform 24h urine.
* Current treatment with D-Pencillamine, Trientine or Zinc.
* Non-opposition of patient and/or legal representatives for minor patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who had a change in treatment within the last 6 months before the inclusion
* Patients who have undergone liver transplantation
* Patients with known chronic renal failure (GFR \< 30 ml/min)
* Patients on long-term diuretic or corticosteroid therapy
* Persons deprived of liberty by a judicial or administrative decision
* Patient under judicial protection, unable to express consent

Where this trial is running

Bron, Rhone

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Wilson Disease, Wilson disease, urinary copper, chelator

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.