[Porphyria cutanea tarda in a hemodialysed patient with hepatitis C virus infection: efficacy treatment by small repeated phlebotomies]

Rev Med Interne. 2004 Apr;25(4):306-9. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2004.01.006.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a disorder of heme biosynthesis resulting from deficiency in the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. In the sporadic form of PCT, there are many agents that trigger the clinical manifestations.

Exegesis: We report a case of PCT in an hemodialysed patient with hepatitis C virus infection (HVC). He was treated with small repeated phlebotomies of 50 ml every week with photoprotection, eviction of traumatismes and inducing drugs. A clinical remission was induced after five months of treatment.

Conclusion: A proper diagnosis of PCT in non uremic hemodialysed patients requires fractionation of serum and fecal porphyrin changes. Management of this patients is difficult. Small repeated phlebotomies (50-100 ml) could be an interesting therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phlebotomy*
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda / etiology
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda / therapy*
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Treatment Outcome