1
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Moghe A, McGuire BM, Levy C. Acute hepatic porphyrias-A guide for hepatologists. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00836. [PMID: 38607698 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a group of rare, inherited disorders of the heme biosynthesis pathway, usually manifesting with attacks of acute abdominal pain and other neurovisceral symptoms, with or without cutaneous manifestations. AHPs are characterized by the accumulation of porphyrin precursors, porphobilinogen, and/or aminolevulinic acid, in the blood. The diagnosis is often missed or delayed due to both inadequate testing and the improper use of available laboratory tests. In this review, we describe the various clinical presentations of the 4 AHPs, elucidate the approach to diagnosis, and provide recommendations for immediate and long-term management. We also describe the different complications that can occur with long-standing AHP, including the development of HCC. The AHPs are very treatable conditions, with excellent outcomes if diagnosed and treated early. A high index of suspicion for the presence of these disorders, along with accurate testing and timely treatment, will help reduce the burden of disease and prevent irreversible complications in patients with AHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshata Moghe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brendan M McGuire
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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2
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Maure Blesa L, López de Mota Sánchez D, Álvarez-Toledo O, Montes Fernandez E, Morales Conejo M, Díaz-Cardona T, Olivie Garcia L, Zamarbide Capdepon I, Herranz Bárcenas A. Acute proximal weakness and paraesthesiae. Pract Neurol 2024:pn-2023-004082. [PMID: 38580432 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-004082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Maure Blesa
- Neurology, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Elena Montes Fernandez
- Neurophysiology Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Morales Conejo
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
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3
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Wang Z, Cheng L, Liang X, Jiang H, Shen R. The diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria combined with seizures: Case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36167. [PMID: 38115298 PMCID: PMC10727566 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disorder affecting heme production due to enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase deficiency. Diagnosing acute intermittent porphyria is difficult because its symptoms interrelate with those of other common diseases. When AIP is combined with seizures, the diagnosis process is more complicated. This case report shows all tests and criteria used to arrive at the final stage of diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS The patient complained of severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intermittent convulsions. Her medical history shows she had abdominal pain, mainly dull pain in the left upper abdomen. DIAGNOSES Different symptomatic tests were done, and the cause of her symptoms was uncertain. A urine sun drying test was then done and confirmed the presence of porphyrin used to diagnose AIP. A genetic test was done after the patient was discharged, and AIP diagnosis was confirmed. INTERVENTIONS Acute intermittent porphyria treatment was administered. OUTCOMES The patent recovered fully. LESSONS It is essential to consider acute intermittent porphyria diagnosis in patients having unexplained severe abdominal pain associated with neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Since AIP is a rare disease with a high mortality rate when not treated early, Clinical practices should include AIP as one of the tests done on patients showing these symptoms at an early stage. The fastest way to identify this is to conduct a urine test. The change of color from brown to reddish color is a diagnostic indicator of AIP. This strategy helps reduce misdiagnoses and delayed treatment of the right disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Liniu Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Xianyang Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Ruile Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
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Kuo HC, Ro LS, Lin CN, Chen HY. Long-term management and treatment of acute intermittent porphyria with recurring attacks using pharmacological prophylaxis. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0327. [PMID: 38051544 PMCID: PMC10697622 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no definitive guidance on whether patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) with recurrent attacks need pharmacological prophylactic treatment. METHODS The management strategies for patients with frequent (defined as ≥4 annualized attack rate (AAR) and less frequent attacks (<4 AAR), including treatment for acute attacks and duration of prophylaxis (weekly heme arginate 3 mg/kg body weight and/or investigational drug, givosiran), were summarized. The AAR for the following periods were presented: the first 2 years after diagnosis, before/after prophylaxis, and the most recent 2 years. RESULTS A total of 29 patients with AIP were included, 19 (34.5%) had <4 AAR and 10 (65.6%) had ≥4 AAR in the first 2 years after diagnosis. All patients experienced reduced attacks during the treatment course, 23 (79.3%) were attack-free during the most recent 2 years. Among the 9 patients who received prophylaxis (7 heme arginate; 1 givosiran, 1 heme arginate followed by givosiran), 5 (55.6%) were attack-free in the most recent 2-year period and prophylaxis was discontinued because there had been no attacks for >1 year. For patients without prophylaxis (n = 20), 18 (90.0%) were attack-free in the most recent 2-year period and 15 (75.0%) experienced attacks only in the first 2 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Prophylaxis could be considered for patients with AIP with ≥4 biochemically confirmed attacks/year after routine treatment of 1-2 years, during which the severity and frequency of attacks should be closely monitored to determine the necessity of pharmacologic prophylaxis. More studies are needed to reach a consensus on the use of pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment of AIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chou Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sun Ro
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ni Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Centre, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Di Pierro E, Perrone M, Franco M, Granata F, Duca L, Lattuada D, De Luca G, Graziadei G. Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Drives the Penetrance of Acute Intermittent Porphyria. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1923. [PMID: 37763326 PMCID: PMC10532762 DOI: 10.3390/life13091923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
No published study has investigated the mitochondrial count in patients suffering from acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). In order to determine whether mitochondrial content can influence the pathogenesis of porphyria, we measured the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in the peripheral blood cells of 34 patients and 37 healthy individuals. We found that all AIP patients had a low number of mitochondria, likely as a result of a protective mechanism against an inherited heme synthesis deficiency. Furthermore, we identified a close correlation between disease penetrance and decreases in the mitochondrial content and serum levels of PERM1, a marker of mitochondrial biogenesis. In a healthy individual, mitochondrial count is usually modulated to fit its ability to respond to various environmental stressors and bioenergetic demands. In AIP patients, coincidentally, the phenotype only manifests in response to endogenous and exogenous triggers factors. Therefore, these new findings suggest that a deficiency in mitochondrial proliferation could affect the individual responsiveness to stimuli, providing a new explanation for the variability in the clinical manifestations of porphyria. However, the metabolic and/or genetic factors responsible for this impairment remain to be identified. In conclusion, both mtDNA copy number per cell and mitochondrial biogenesis seem to play a role in either inhibiting or promoting disease expression. They could serve as two novel biomarkers for porphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Di Pierro
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (F.G.); (L.D.); (D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Miriana Perrone
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (F.G.); (L.D.); (D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Milena Franco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Francesca Granata
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (F.G.); (L.D.); (D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Lorena Duca
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (F.G.); (L.D.); (D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Debora Lattuada
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (F.G.); (L.D.); (D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Giacomo De Luca
- School of Internal Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (F.G.); (L.D.); (D.L.); (G.G.)
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6
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García Morillo JS, Pérez Quintana M, Riera-Mestre A. [Long-term complications of acute hepatic porphyrias]. Med Clin (Barc) 2023; 159 Suppl 1:S25-S28. [PMID: 37827887 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2023.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antoni Riera-Mestre
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Bellvitge, Barcelona, España; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Barcelona, España
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7
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Valbuena Valecillos A, Yatham P, Alderman M, Shapiro L, Tiozzo E, Gober J. Acute Intermittent Porphyria: A Review and Rehabilitation Perspective. Cureus 2023; 15:e44260. [PMID: 37772218 PMCID: PMC10526832 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an uncommon metabolic disease that impacts multiple organs and can manifest in many ways. It is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms. Neurovisceral signs and symptoms should alert physicians to consider AIP in the differential after excluding more common causes. Identifying the underlying cause is critical in preventing acute attacks, and trigger avoidance is the optimal approach to managing AIP. Medications that are contraindicated should be reviewed thoroughly. Prompt intravenous hematin administration is the primary treatment for acute attacks, and additional pharmacological therapies may be necessary to treat concurrent symptoms. A severe neurological manifestation of AIP is flaccid paralysis or severe motor weakness, which can develop into total quadriplegia and respiratory insufficiency. A comprehensive rehabilitation program is an integral aspect of the treatment plan. Since the incidence of this disease is low, functional prognosis is not well-known. As a result, it is challenging to determine the most appropriate structure, intensity, and duration of rehabilitation therapy. By extending the treatment plan, individuals with tetraplegia due to AIP can continue to make functional gains years after the onset of weakness. Understanding the disease's functional prognosis will aid in coordinating resources and improving healthcare expenditures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Valbuena Valecillos
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Puja Yatham
- Department of Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Matison Alderman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Lauren Shapiro
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Eduard Tiozzo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Joslyn Gober
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
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8
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Kazamel M, Ho CY. Editorial: Diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders in the era of personalized genomic medicine. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1188037. [PMID: 37292125 PMCID: PMC10246771 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1188037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kazamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Cheng-Ying Ho
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Lissing M, Vassiliou D, Floderus Y, Harper P, Yan J, Hagström H, Sardh E, Wahlin S. Risk for incident comorbidities, nonhepatic cancer and mortality in acute hepatic porphyria: A matched cohort study in 1244 individuals. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023; 46:286-299. [PMID: 36546345 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHP) are associated with long-term complications such as primary liver cancer, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Data on other related comorbidities are scarce. In this register-based, matched cohort study, we assessed the risks of nonhepatic cancers, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, psychiatric disorders, and mortality in relation to porphyria type, sex, and biochemical disease activity. All patients in the Swedish porphyria register with a verified AHP diagnosis during 1987-2015 were included. The biochemical activity of acute intermittent porphyria was assessed using recorded maximal urinary porphobilinogen (U-PBG). Data on incident comorbidities and mortality were collected from national health registries. Cumulative incidences, rates, and hazards were compared to reference individuals from the general population, matched 1:10 by age, sex, and county. We identified 1244 patients with AHP with a median follow-up of 19 years. Health registries identified 149 AHP-subjects (12.0%) with nonhepatic cancer, similar to 1601 (13.0%) in the matched reference population (n = 12 362). Patients with AHP had a higher risk of kidney cancer (0.8% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001), hypertension, and chronic kidney disease but no increase in risk for cardiovascular disease, except for cerebrovascular disease in patients with elevated U-PBG, (aHR = 1.40 [95% CI:1.06-1.85]). Mortality risk during follow-up was higher among patients with AHP (21% vs. 18%, p = 0.001), and associated with primary liver cancer, female sex, and biochemical activity. In conclusion, AHP is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and mortality but not with cardiovascular disease or other nonhepatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Lissing
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daphne Vassiliou
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS), Porphyria Centre Sweden, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Floderus
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS), Porphyria Centre Sweden, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauline Harper
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS), Porphyria Centre Sweden, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jacinth Yan
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannes Hagström
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eliane Sardh
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS), Porphyria Centre Sweden, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Hepatology Division, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kazamel M, Pischik E, Desnick RJ. Pain in acute hepatic porphyrias: Updates on pathophysiology and management. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1004125. [PMID: 36479055 PMCID: PMC9719963 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1004125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) typically present with recurrent acute attacks of severe abdominal pain and acute autonomic dysfunction. While chronic symptoms were historically overlooked in the literature, recent studies have reported increased prevalence of chronic, mainly neuropathic, pain between the attacks. Here we characterize acute and chronic pain as prominent manifestations of the AHPs and discuss their pathophysiology and updated management. In addition to the severe abdominal pain, patients could experience low back pain, limb pain, and headache during acute attacks. Chronic pain between the attacks is typically neuropathic and reported mainly by patients who undergo recurrent attacks. While the acute abdominal pain during attacks is likely mediated by autonomic neuropathy, chronic pain likely represents delayed recovery of the acute neuropathy with ongoing small fiber neuropathy in addition to peripheral and/or central sensitization. δ-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) plays a major role in acute and chronic pain via its neurotoxic effect, especially where the blood-nerve barrier is less restrictive or absent i.e., the autonomic ganglia, nerve roots, and free nerve endings. For earlier diagnosis, we recommend testing a spot urine porphobilinogen (PBG) analysis in any patient with recurrent severe acute abdominal pain with no obvious explanation, especially if associated with neuropathic pain, hyponatremia, autonomic dysfunction, or encephalopathy. Of note, it is mandatory to exclude AHPs in any acute painful neuropathy. Between the attacks, diagnostic testing for AHPs should be considered for patients with a past medical history of acute/subacute neuropathy, frequent emergency room visits with abdominal pain, and behavioral changes. Pain during the attacks should be treated with opiates combined with hemin infusions. Symptomatic treatment of chronic pain should start with gabapentinoids and certain antidepressants before opiates. Givosiran reduces levels of ALA and PBG and likely has long-term benefits for chronic pain, especially if started early during the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kazamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- *Correspondence: Mohamed Kazamel
| | - Elena Pischik
- Department of Neurology, Consultative and Diagnostic Center With Polyclinics, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Robert J. Desnick
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Sardh E, Harper P. RNAi therapy with givosiran significantly reduces attack rates in acute intermittent porphyria. J Intern Med 2022; 291:593-610. [PMID: 35067977 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a group of inherited metabolic disorders that affect hepatic heme biosynthesis. They are associated with attacks of neurovisceral manifestations that can be life threatening and constitute what is considered an acute porphyria attack. Until recently, the sole specific treatment for acute porphyria attacks consisted of the intravenous administration of hemin. Although attacks are often sporadic, some patients develop recurrent acute attacks, with devastating effects on quality of life. Liver transplantation has historically been the sole curative treatment option. The clinical manifestations of AHP are attributed to the accumulation of the heme precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG). Advances in molecular engineering have provided new therapeutic possibilities for modifying the heme synthetic pathway. We reviewed the background and current status of AHP treatment using liver-directed small interfering RNA targeting ALAS1. The therapeutic aim was to normalize the levels of ALAS1, which is highly upregulated during acute porphyria attacks. Givosiran is now an approved drug for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. The results of clinical trials have shown that givosiran treatment leads to a rapid and sustained reduction of ALAS1 mRNA, decreased heme precursor levels, and a decreased rate of acute attacks compared with placebo. The clinical trials (phases I, II, and III) were all randomized and placebo controlled. Many patients enrolled in the initial clinical trials have continued treatment in open label extension and extended/compassionate-use programs in countries where givosiran is not yet commercially available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Sardh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Porphyria Centre Sweden, Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauline Harper
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for inherited Metabolic Diseases, Porphyria Centre Sweden., Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Upchurch M, Donnelly JP, Deremiah E, Barthol C, Hafeez S, Anderson KE, Seifi A. Hereditary Coproporphyria Mimicking Guillain-Barré Syndrome After COVID-19 Infection. Cureus 2022; 14:e21586. [PMID: 35228944 PMCID: PMC8873389 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) is a rare disorder caused by a deficiency of an enzyme, coproporphyrinogen oxidase, in the heme synthetic pathway. This disease has a highly variable clinical presentation with acute attacks of neurologic symptoms that can last from days to months. Rarely, it and other acute porphyrias may cause ascending paralysis, which is difficult to distinguish from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Acute attacks can be triggered by factors that increase the synthesis of heme, such as hormonal changes, certain medications, dietary changes, and infections. We report a 26-year-old female with HCP who presented with acute ascending flaccid paralysis and respiratory failure after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and was initially misdiagnosed and treated for GBS. She was transferred to our neurosciences intensive care unit, where the diagnosis of acute porphyria was established. Initial improvement occurred during treatment for several weeks with hemin (Panhematin®) and continued with givosiran (Givlaari®), which was recently introduced for the prevention of acute attacks. We suggest that acute porphyria should be part of the differential diagnosis when GBS is suspected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an attack of acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) that developed after a COVID-19 infection and the first with advanced paresis to be treated with givosiran. Her response suggests that givosiran may contribute to recovery from advanced neurological manifestations of acute porphyrias.
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Ricci A, Di Pierro E, Marcacci M, Ventura P. Mechanisms of Neuronal Damage in Acute Hepatic Porphyrias. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11122205. [PMID: 34943446 PMCID: PMC8700611 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Porphyrias are a group of congenital and acquired diseases caused by an enzymatic impairment in the biosynthesis of heme. Depending on the specific enzyme involved, different types of porphyrias (i.e., chronic vs. acute, cutaneous vs. neurovisceral, hepatic vs. erythropoietic) are described, with different clinical presentations. Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are characterized by life-threatening acute neuro-visceral crises (acute porphyric attacks, APAs), featuring a wide range of neuropathic (central, peripheral, autonomic) manifestations. APAs are usually unleashed by external "porphyrinogenic" triggers, which are thought to cause an increased metabolic demand for heme. During APAs, the heme precursors δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG) accumulate in the bloodstream and urine. Even though several hypotheses have been developed to explain the protean clinical picture of APAs, the exact mechanism of neuronal damage in AHPs is still a matter of debate. In recent decades, a role has been proposed for oxidative damage caused by ALA, mitochondrial and synaptic ALA toxicity, dysfunction induced by relative heme deficiency on cytochromes and other hemeproteins (i.e., nitric oxide synthases), pyridoxal phosphate functional deficiency, derangements in the metabolic pathways of tryptophan, and other factors. Since the pathway leading to the biosynthesis of heme is inscribed into a complex network of interactions, which also includes some fundamental processes of basal metabolism, a disruption in any of the steps of this pathway is likely to have multiple pathogenic effects. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the current evidence regarding the mechanisms of neuronal damage in AHPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ricci
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science for Children and Adults, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Elena Di Pierro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCSS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Matteo Marcacci
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science for Children and Adults, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Paolo Ventura
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science for Children and Adults, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-059-4225-542
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Neuro-immune-metabolism: The tripod system of homeostasis. Immunol Lett 2021; 240:77-97. [PMID: 34655659 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Homeostatic regulation of cellular and molecular processes is essential for the efficient physiological functioning of body organs. It requires an intricate balance of several networks throughout the body, most notable being the nervous, immune and metabolic systems. Several studies have reported the interactions between neuro-immune, immune-metabolic and neuro-metabolic pathways. Current review aims to integrate the information and show that neuro, immune and metabolic systems form the triumvirate of homeostasis. It focuses on the cellular and molecular interactions occurring in the extremities and intestine, which are innervated by the peripheral nervous system and for the intestine in particular the enteric nervous system. While the interdependence of neuro-immune-metabolic pathways provides a fallback mechanism in case of disruption of homeostasis, in chronic pathologies of continued disequilibrium, the collapse of one system spreads to the other interacting networks as well. Current review illustrates this domino-effect using diabetes as the main example. Together, this review attempts to provide a holistic picture of the integrated network of neuro-immune-metabolism and attempts to broaden the outlook when devising a scientific study or a treatment strategy.
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de Souza PVS, Badia BDML, Farias IB, Pinto WBVDR, Oliveira ASB. Acute Hepatic Porphyria: Pathophysiological Basis of Neuromuscular Manifestations. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:715523. [PMID: 34646118 PMCID: PMC8502968 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.715523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatic porphyria represents a rare, underdiagnosed group of inherited metabolic disorders due to hereditary defects of heme group biosynthesis pathway. Most patients have their definite diagnosis after several years of complex and disabling clinical manifestations and commonly after life-threatening acute neurovisceral episodes or severe motor handicap. Many key studies in the last two decades have been performed and led to the discovery of novel possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and to the development of new therapeutic purposes, including small interfering RNA-based therapy, specifically driven to inhibit selectively delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase production and decrease the recurrence number of severe acute presentation for most patients. Several distinct mechanisms have been identified to contribute to the several neuromuscular signs and symptoms. This review article aims to present the current knowledge regarding the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved with the acute and chronic presentation of acute hepatic porphyria and to highlight the relevance of such content for clinical practice and in decision making about therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Victor Sgobbi de Souza
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno de Mattos Lombardi Badia
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Igor Braga Farias
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Acary Souza Bulle Oliveira
- Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
Givosiran (Givlaari®) is an δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1)-directed small interfering RNA (siRNA) approved for the treatment of acute hepatic porphyria (AHP). In the phase 3 ENVISION trial, givosiran significantly reduced the annualized rate of composite porphyria attacks (i.e. attacks requiring hospitalization, urgent healthcare visit or intravenous hemin administration at home) compared with placebo in patients with recurrent acute intermittent porphyria (the most common type of AHP) attacks. Givosiran also improved several other outcomes, including hemin use and pain (the cardinal symptom of AHP). While generally well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile, the drug may increase the risk of hepatic and kidney adverse events. Givosiran offers the convenience of once-monthly subcutaneous administration. Available evidence indicates that givosiran is an important newer therapeutic option for patients with AHP and severe recurrent attacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahiya Y Syed
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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Inherited Neuromuscular Disorders: Which Role for Serum Biomarkers? Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030398. [PMID: 33801069 PMCID: PMC8004068 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited neuromuscular disorders (INMD) are a heterogeneous group of rare diseases that involve muscles, motor neurons, peripheral nerves or the neuromuscular junction. Several different lab abnormalities have been linked to INMD: sometimes they are typical of the disorder, but they usually appear to be less specific. Sometimes serum biomarkers can point out abnormalities in presymtomatic or otherwise asymptomatic patients (e.g., carriers). More often a biomarker of INMD is evaluated by multiple clinicians other than expert in NMD before the diagnosis, because of the multisystemic involvement in INMD. The authors performed a literature search on biomarkers in inherited neuromuscular disorders to provide a practical approach to the diagnosis and the correct management of INMD. A considerable number of biomarkers have been reported that support the diagnosis of INMD, but the role of an expert clinician is crucial. Hence, the complete knowledge of such abnormalities can accelerate the diagnostic workup supporting the referral to specialists in neuromuscular disorders.
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