Clinical Utility

Ceruloplasmin’s main clinical importance is in the diagnosis of Wilson’s disease. Ceruloplasmin concentration is reduced while dialyzable copper concentration is increased. Low plasma levels of ceruloplasmin are found in malnutrition, malabsorption, nephrosis and severe liver disease, particularly biliary cirrhosis. Increased ceruloplasmin levels are particularly notable in disease of the reticuloendothelial system such as Hodgkin’s disease as well as during pregnancy or the use of contraceptive pills.