[Serologic hepatitis B markers in porphyria cutanea tarda (author's transl)]

Using several seromarkers for hepatitis B virus the frequency of previous hepatitis B in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) as a possible manifestation factor was determined. As chronic hepatitis is frequently associated with an increase of factor VIII-associated antigen, this was included in the investigation. Results make it likely that 28 out of 60 investigated patients (47%) have had hepatitis. In 30% an increase of factor VIII-associated antigen was found. It can be assumed that hepatitis B virus infection as a manifestation factor may be of considerable importance in porphyria cutanea tarda when genetic disposition (uroporphyrinogen-decarboxylase deficiency) is present.