STUDIES OF THE CLINICAL AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF PHLEBOTOMY TREATMENT IN PORPHYRIA CUTANEA TARDA

Abstract

Abstract The size of the iron stores and the effect of phlebotomy treatment has been evaluated in twelve patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. Clinical and biochemical remission was obtained in all patients. The mean treatment period was 4½ months in patients who were phlebotomized frequently and were not given iron. In two patients who received iron supplements in conjunction with phlebotomy treatment remission was not obtained until the iron administration was stopped. In two other patients iron administration after induced remission was associated with relapses. No relapse was seen in the others. The effect of the treatment is probably due mainly to the reduction of the iron stores. Beside the disappearance of active skin symptoms and strongly diminished porphyrin excretion, the treatment was associated with improved liver function tests.