Many of the symptoms of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a form of porphyria, may not be reported fully or at all, and this may make it harder to diagnose the rare disease, according to a new U.S. study. Researchers observed that nearly all patients in the…
Treatment with Scenesse (afamelanotide) — an implantable medicine used to treat people with intolerance to light — can help improve life quality for those with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), making it easier for them to do certain activities, such as going to work or on vacation, a recent study…
A woman with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) developed acute liver injury due to treatment with Givlaari (givosiran), according to a recent report. Her case, while “more rare” as a therapy side effect, highlights the importance of monitoring patients starting on Givlaari for liver damage, the scientists noted. The…
The case of a teenager in Nepal who was diagnosed with porphyria following a detailed series of clinical tests — part of a “diagnostic conundrum” — was described in a recent report. “This case highlights the baffling amalgamation of symptoms that simulate common diseases of concern yet are buried…
People with acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) have an increased risk of kidney cancer, chronic kidney disease, and high blood pressure, a large-scale Swedish study found. AHP patients don’t have a higher risk of non-liver cancers in general, heart-related diseases, or severe psychiatric disorders, however, according to researchers, who recommended…
The case of a woman with porphyria, who had a dangerous blood clot develop in a large vein heading into the heart, highlights the importance of identifying and promptly treating such issues in porphyria patients, researchers noted. The report, “Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis in a Porphyria…
A new mutation in the HMBS gene was found to be the cause of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) in a Chinese woman who experienced symptom flares related to an unexpected pregnancy, a case study reported. “This case contributes to the existing knowledge on AIP and its causative genetic mutations,”…
A wearable device capable of measuring light exposure could help to predict symptoms of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), and may be useful as a measure to include in clinical trials, according to a recent study. The study, “Prospective observational pilot study of quantitative light dosimetry in erythropoietic…
For people with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) — a condition whose symptoms significantly overlap those of porphyria — a long disease duration, taking very hot showers/baths to alleviate symptoms, and having co-existing conditions, all are clinical features to prompt genetic testing for acute porphyria, according to a new…
The case of a woman with variegate porphyria (VP) diagnosed following an acute attack that occurred after weight loss surgery was described in a recent report. Study authors recommend that people planning weight loss surgery first have a screening for porphyria, since this type of surgery may…
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