Immunological and biochemical findings in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda

Fifteen cases of PCT were followed up during 1-4 years after the chloroquine treatment with 250 mg daily for 5 days. Clinical improvement was noted in 10 patients, and in 7 there was a full remission. The levels of uroporphyrins in the urine did not correlate with the clinical response whereas characteristic immunopathological findings in the skin became negative in six. The immunofluorescence tests on the skin biopsies of patients with PCT may be not only of supplementary significance for the diagnosis, but also in the evaluation of the course of the disease and the effects of the chloroquine treatment.