Routine ER screenings may improve acute porphyria diagnosis

A screening program at emergency departments may help to more efficiently diagnose acute forms of porphyria, according to a recent study. “Screening for [acute porphyrias] in the [emergency department] is feasible and should be considered in all [emergency department] patients with (especially recurrent) abdominal pain of unclear origin,” the…

Porphyria Screening Recommended Before Weight Loss Surgery

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…