Iron and copper-associated cirrhosis in infants. Acquired metal toxicity or genetic disorder?

Iron and Copper are essential trace elements for growth and development of the human infant but are toxic in excess. Lethal cirrhotic syndromes in the neonate and infant have been associated with both copper and iron overload. The relative importance of underlying genetic susceptibility and acquired excess of iron or copper in the pathogenesis of these chronic metal toxicity states is controversial and both syndromes probably encompass a spectrum of conditions.