News

People with genetic mutations that cause acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) who have never experienced acute disease attacks are still at an elevated risk of showing subtle signs of the disease, a study found. Among undiagnosed first-degree family members of AHP patients, those who tested positive for a disease-causing mutation…

A woman in her 60s with fragile skin and blistering lesions on sun-exposed areas was diagnosed with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), the most common form of porphyria, alongside cutaneous sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory skin condition, according to a case study from Canada. The woman was found to carry two…

COVID-19 triggered an attack of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) in a 31-year-old woman, according to a report in Japan. The woman started having seizures after contracting COVID-19 and was later diagnosed with AIP associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), a rare condition marked by brain swelling and…

Givlaari (givosiran) safely led to reductions in porphyria attacks and improved the quality of life of people with acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) in Japan in an expanded access program, according to newly shared results. The researchers noted that earlier trial data had “indicated that [Givlaari] may be an important treatment option…

While treating a woman in her 70s for a severe bacterial infection, clinicians came up with new ways to confirm the diagnosis of an acute variegate porphyria (VP) crisis when standard diagnostic tests were not feasible, which had also led to a delay in the patient’s treatment. The woman’s unusual…

It’s been about eight years since Hannah, a dancer and dance teacher, experienced her first acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) attack, but she can still clearly recall the intensity of the sharp stabbing sensation in her abdomen. The overwhelming pain, as well as fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, kept returning, their…

The seven-day Porphyria Awareness Week campaign kicks off May 12 to spread the word about porphyria and culminates with Global Porphyria Day on May 18, a Sunday. The theme of this year’s observance is “Think Porphyria,” according to the American Porphyria Foundation, which is joining forces with…

Liver disease, a potential complication of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), may increase healthcare needs, raise disease burden, and negatively impact mental health, according to a new study by U.S. scientists based on self-reported data from patients. People with liver disease also said that their EPP had a greater impact on…

Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is more commonly seen in women in Denmark, with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) the the most frequent subtype. That’s according to a recent study that also found that patients with high levels of porphobilinogen, a porphyrin precursor that builds up to toxic levels in AHP…

People with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) often consume large amounts of simple sugars and fats, which may contribute to metabolic problems, such as being overweight or having high levels of bad cholesterol in their blood, a study reports. “Our study provided valuable insights into the metabolic aspects of AIP,…