Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll.
Enrico Rossi1, Kate Borchard, Judith Mary Cole
1Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, QE II Medical Centre, Australia.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|August 16, 2014
Summary
Two cases of pseudoporphyria, mimicking porphyria cutanea tarda, were linked to consuming liquid chlorophyll drinks. These drinks contained photosensitizing compounds, causing skin fragility and blisters without metabolic porphyrin abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is characterized by specific abnormalities in porphyrin metabolism.
- Pseudoporphyria presents with clinical features similar to PCT but without the underlying metabolic defect.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with clinical symptoms of PCT, including skin fragility and bullae on the dorsal hands.
- Neither patient exhibited abnormalities in porphyrin metabolism, suggesting an alternative etiology.
Findings:
- Analysis of the patients' commercial liquid chlorophyll drink revealed fluorescent compounds.
- These compounds exhibited characteristics consistent with known photosensitizers derived from chlorophyll.
Implications:
- This suggests that certain chlorophyll-derived compounds can induce a pseudoporphyria-like condition.
- Highlights the importance of considering iatrogenic or environmental factors in diagnosing blistering skin disorders.
- Further research is needed to identify and quantify specific photosensitizing agents in dietary supplements.
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