Excretion of copper in sweat of patients with Wilson's disease during sauna bathing.

Copper was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in sweat samples obtained during sauna bathing (15 min at 93 °) from seven patients (2 5 5) with Wilson’s disease (hepatolenticular degeneration). In one patient who was not being treated with penicillamine, the estimated excretion of copper in total body sweat during the sauna bath was 18 /¿g. In six patients who were receiving oral penicillamine (1 g per day), the estimated excretions of copper in total body sweat during the sauna bath averaged 106 ¡ig, (range = 43 to 179). This study shows that sweating can be a significant route for the excre­ tion of copper in patients with Wilson’s disease who are being treated with penicillamine. Thermal induction of sweating by means of sauna bathing may possibly serve as a therapeutic adjunct to the customary treatment of Wilson’s disease by means of low-copper diet and penicillamine.