Anesthetic considerations in hepatic porphyrias

Porphyrias are inherited defects of heme synthesis with manifestations that can mimic surgical diseases; they can be provoked by administration of certain drugs. Manifestations such as abdominal pain, vomiting, tachycardia, hypertension, neuropathy, fever, confusion, and seizures have been described. Management of patients with porphyria is designed to avoid triggering drugs, such as barbiturates, and perhaps, benzodiazepines and ketamines. Nontriggering drugs should be used in the management of patients with porphyria. Because starvation can induce an attack, glucose infusions are important in the prevention and treatment of porphyria.