X-linked dominant protoporphyria: a new porphyria

Abstract

X-linked dominant protoporphyria (XLDPP) was first reported in the genetics literature in 2008. It has a phenotype very similar to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), but is distinguished from EPP by higher concentrations of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (of which a high proportion is zinc-chelated), its apparently higher incidence of liver disease, and an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. Dermatologists should understand how XLDPP differs from EPP, in order to advise newly diagnosed patients correctly about the genetic implications and the long-term management strategy. We present a case series of XLDPP to introduce this condition to the dermatology literature.