Related Experiment Videos
Transient erythroporphyria of infancy
R I Crawford1, E R Lawlor, L D Wadsworth
1Division of Dermatology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
A neonate with hemolytic disease developed a photosensitivity eruption during phototherapy due to elevated porphyrin levels. This transient porphyrinemia resolved, but the infant showed signs of kernicterus.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) requires treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, often with phototherapy.
- Photosensitivity reactions can occur during phototherapy, but the underlying mechanisms are not always clear.
Observation:
- A neonate with HDN developed a photosensitivity eruption during phototherapy.
- Markedly elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin and zinc protoporphyrin levels were observed during the neonatal period.
Findings:
- Porphyrin levels normalized by 19 weeks of age.
- The infant exhibited residual skin atrophy and clinical/radiologic evidence of kernicterus.
Implications:
- Transient porphyrinemia may be associated with HDN and phototherapy.
- The pathogenesis of this condition requires further investigation.
- Understanding this association is crucial for managing HDN and preventing potential complications like kernicterus.