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Ochsner Health has been named a Center of Excellence by the Wilson Disease Association, recognizing its leadership in the management of Wilson disease.
Led by Hrishikesh Samant, MD and a multidisciplinary team, the center provides advanced care, education, and research to improve outcomes for patients with Wilson disease.
This designation highlights Ochsner’s commitment to specialized care and its role as a national leader in transplant surgery and complex liver conditions.
NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health has earned the prestigious designation of Center of Excellence from the Wilson Disease Association (WDA). Under the leadership of renowned hepatologists Ryan Himes, MD, Hrishikesh Samant, MD, and Steven Young, MD, this recognition underscores Ochsner’s commitment to providing specialized care and advanced treatment for patients with Wilson disease, a rare and complex liver condition.
Wilson disease is an inherited disorder affecting approximately one in 30,000 people, in which the body retains excess copper, leading to potentially fatal complications in the liver, brain, and other organs if left untreated. Timely treatment through medication therapy is required to remove excess copper accumulation. Some patients with severe hepatitis or liver failure may require liver transplantation. Symptoms often appear during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, though later onset is possible. Early diagnosis through blood, urine, and genetic testing is critical, and screening siblings of affected individuals can help initiate treatment before symptoms develop.
“With Wilson disease, we achieve positive long-term outcomes with early and accurate diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Himes. “When we intervene before significant copper accumulation occurs, we can effectively manage the condition and protect vital organs. Our goal is always to prevent severe complications and preserve our patient's quality of life, and we do that through vigilant screening, timely intervention and ongoing education.”
WDA Centers of Excellence are specialized facilities dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of Wilson disease. To achieve this designation, centers must meet rigorous criteria, including a demonstrated commitment to patient care, advanced diagnostic capabilities, physician education, and research into copper metabolism disorders. These centers also serve as vital educational resources for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
“This Center of Excellence designation affirms our commitment to proactive screening and raising awareness for Wilson disease,” said Dr. Young. “It is critical that we act decisively to begin early intervention and treatment in patients suffering from this complex disease. By taking a proactive approach, we give patients the best chance to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
Ochsner treats more than 50 Wilson disease patients annually, with Drs. Himes, Samant and Young serving as the center’s co-directors. The Wilson disease Center of Excellence is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including experts in hepatology, pediatric hepatology, transplantation, pediatric neurology (led by Pamela Rapiti, MD), movement disorders and neurology (led by David Houghton, MD), ophthalmology, genetics, nutrition, rehabilitation therapy, and social work. Ochsner’s Center is uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive, longitudinal care for patients with Wilson’s disease from childhood through old age. This integrated, life-spanning approach ensures continuity, depth and personalized care that sets Ochsner apart.
“This designation is a testament to the power of our collaborative, team-based approach to treating Wilson disease,” said Dr. Samant. “By integrating our specialized knowledge, we not only improve the lives of our patients but also advance treatment options, educate the next generation of physicians, and serve as a vital resource for practitioners nationwide.
Ochsner is dedicated to helping people achieve better liver health through expert care and advanced treatment options. Specialized in treating a broad range of liver conditions, Ochsner features a multidisciplinary team, access to cutting-edge clinical trials, and advanced treatments not widely available elsewhere. The hepatology team is committed to innovation and patient-centered care that sets Ochsner apart as leaders in liver health.
"The Wilson Disease Association is proud to designate Ochsner Health as our newest Center of Excellence," said Rhonda Rowland, President, Wilson Disease Association. "Their strong pediatric expertise offers families a vital resource and ensures that children with Wilson disease receive expert care from day one.”
To learn more about Wilson disease, visit the Wilson Disease Association. For more information about liver care at Ochsner Health, visit ochsner.org/hepatology
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About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 14 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for four consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.