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[Quantitative liver function tests in porphyria cutanea tarda: improvement under therapeutic phlebotomy]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|March 15, 1986
Summary
Phlebotomy effectively treated porphyria cutanea tarda, normalizing liver function and reversing hepatic dysfunction. This highlights iron accumulation
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Porphyria cutanea tarda is characterized by hepatic dysfunction.
- The role of iron accumulation in this dysfunction is under investigation.
Observation:
- Quantitative liver function was assessed in 4 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda before and after treatment.
- Galactose elimination capacity measured functional liver cell mass.
- Aminopyrine breath test assessed microsomal function.
Findings:
- Phlebotomy led to clinical and biochemical remission in three patients.
- Functional liver cell mass normalized in patients treated with phlebotomy.
- Chloroquine therapy did not improve liver function in one patient.
- Aminopyrine breath test results were inconclusive.
Implications:
- Hepatic dysfunction in porphyria cutanea tarda is reversible.
- Iron accumulation may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of liver dysfunction in this condition.