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Minder AE, Kluijver LG, Barman-Aksözen J, Minder EI, Langendonk JG. Erythropoietic protoporphyrias: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 39011756 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The erythropoietic protoporphyrias consist of three ultra-rare genetic disorders of the erythroid heme biosynthesis, including erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP1), X-linked protoporphyria (XLEPP) and CLPX-protoporphyria (EPP2), which all lead to the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in erythrocytes. Affected patients usually present from early childhood with episodes of severe phototoxic pain in the skin exposed to visible light. The quantification of PPIX in erythrocytes with a metal-free PPIX ≥3 times the upper limit of normal confirms the diagnosis. Protoporphyria-related complications include liver failure, gallstones, mild anaemia and vitamin D deficiency with reduced bone mineral density. The management is focused on preventing phototoxic reactions and treating the complications. Vitamin D should be supplemented, and DEXA scans in adults should be considered. In EPP1, even in cases of biochemically determined iron deficiency, supplementation of iron may stimulate PPIX production, resulting in an increase in photosensitivity and the risk of cholestatic liver disease. However, for patients with XLEPP, iron supplementation can reduce PPIX levels, phototoxicity and liver damage. Because of its rarity, there is little data on the management of EPP-related liver disease. As a first measure, any hepatotoxins should be eliminated. Depending on the severity of the liver disease, phlebotomies, exchange transfusions and ultimately liver transplantation with subsequent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are therapeutic options, whereby multidisciplinary management including porphyria experts is mandatory. Afamelanotide, an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue, is currently the only approved specific treatment that increases pain-free sunlight exposure and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Louisa G Kluijver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasmin Barman-Aksözen
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth I Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Dickey AK, Naik H, Keel SB, Levy C, Beaven SW, Elmariah SB, Erwin AL, Goddu RJ, Hedstrom K, Leaf RK, Kazamel M, Mazepa M, Philpotts LL, Quigley J, Raef H, Rudnick SR, Saberi B, Thapar M, Ungar J, Wang B, Balwani M. Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:1227-1237. [PMID: 36041558 PMCID: PMC9968824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria are rare genetic photodermatoses. Limited expertise with these disorders among physicians leads to diagnostic delays. Here, we present evidence-based consensus guidelines for the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria. A systematic literature review was conducted, and reviewed among subcommittees of experts, divided by topic. Consensus on guidelines was reached within each subcommittee and then among all members of the committee. The appropriate biochemical and genetic testing to establish the diagnosis is reviewed in addition to the interpretation of results. Prevention of symptoms, management of acute phototoxicity, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options are discussed. The importance of ongoing monitoring for liver disease, iron deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency is discussed with management guidance. Finally, management of pregnancy and surgery and the safety of other therapies are summarized. We emphasize that these are multisystemic disorders that require longitudinal monitoring. These guidelines provide a structure for evidence-based diagnosis and management for practicing physicians. Early diagnosis and management of these disorders are essential, particularly given the availability of new and emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Dickey
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hetanshi Naik
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Siobán B Keel
- Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Simon W Beaven
- Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sarina B Elmariah
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Angelika L Erwin
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Robert J Goddu
- Division of Continuing Education, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Karli Hedstrom
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rebecca K Leaf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mohamed Kazamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Marshall Mazepa
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - John Quigley
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Haya Raef
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sean R Rudnick
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Behnam Saberi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Manish Thapar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jonathan Ungar
- Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Bruce Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Manisha Balwani
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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Heerfordt IM, Lerche CM, Wulf HC. Cimetidine for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2022; 38:102793. [PMID: 35245673 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is caused by deficiency of the enzyme converting protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) into heme resulting in accumulation of PpIX leading to photosensitivity and liver toxicity. Cimetidine might inhibit δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase influencing the heme biosynthesis. We present cases with EPP treated with cimetidine at our department, and a literature review. METHODS Systematic searches were performed to identify literature describing EPP patients treated with cimetidine. On that ground we treated EPP patients with cimetidine through spring and summer in 2020 and 2021 at our department. Their erythrocyte PpIX level and standard blood and liver parameters were collected before and during 4 months of treatment. Using a questionnaire, patients were asked about change in photosensitivity, side effects, and whether they would like to resume treatment in the spring of 2022. RESULTS Literature searches identified 9 patients treated with cimetidine. Four were outpatients reporting decreased photosensitivity. At our department 18 outpatients started treatment. Fifteen used oral cimetidine daily for 4 months or more providing a significant decrease in erythrocyte PpIX with a median of 20% (range: -18% to 53%) after 4 months. Eleven of the 15 patients reported a decrease in photosensitivity during treatment, 3 patients were unsure, and 1 patient experienced unchanged photosensitivity. Only mild side effects were reported. Fourteen patients requested to resume treatment in the spring of 2022. CONCLUSIONS These cases suggest that cimetidine can lower erythrocyte PpIX in patients with EPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida M Heerfordt
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Catharina M Lerche
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Christian Wulf
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Heerfordt IM, Fontenete S, Lerche CM, Wulf HC. Distribution of protoporphyrin IX in erythrocytes in a case of acquired erythropoietic protoporphyria. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 37:102629. [PMID: 34798346 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare genetic photodermatosis caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene for ferrochelatase leading to accumulation of the fluorescent protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in erythrocytes. The mutations are most often inherited mutations present in all cells causing inherited EPP. In very rare cases EPP are acquired in association with myelodysplastic syndromes or myeloproliferative neoplasms, conditions with genetic instability. CASE REPORT We report a case of acquired EPP in association with hematological disease. We followed erythrocyte PpIX concentration over a year and measured PpIX fluorescence in individual erythrocytes in a blood sample from the case using flow cytometry. The major proportion of erythrocytes did not fluoresce (84%), whereas 13% contained low PpIX fluorescence, 1% contained medium fluorescence, and 2% contained high fluorescence. DISCUSSION Our observation of the very skewed PpIX distribution in erythrocytes supports the description that acquired EPP is caused by a somatic mutation affecting a clone of hematopoietic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida M Heerfordt
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Catharina M Lerche
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Christian Wulf
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Heerfordt IM, Heydenreich J, Philipsen PA, Lerche CM, Wulf HC. Light-provoked skin symptoms on the hands of erythropoietic protoporphyria patients related to personal dosimeter measurements, skin symptoms, light protection and priming. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 213:112054. [PMID: 33075648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.112054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is characterised by accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in erythrocytes. Upon illumination PpIX is released to the skin. Activation of the photoactive substance PpIX causes painful skin symptoms. This study aimed to objectively quantify individual light exposure of EPP patients in their everyday lives through spring and summer. We further aimed to establish the associations between daily symptoms and light exposure dose to photoprimed and non-photoprimed skin, use of gloves, and erythrocyte PpIX concentration. 14 Danish EPP patients participated from April through June, the period when symptoms are most frequent. Light exposure was measured using personal electronic dosimeters with sensor sensitivity comparable to the absorption spectrum of PpIX, measuring the biological effect of the light in this disease. Concurrently participants reported symptoms and use of protective gloves in a diary. Patients had a blood sample analysed for erythrocyte PpIX. The median patient was exposed to an average daily PpIX-weighted light dose of 3.8 J/cm2 corresponding to approximately 15 min in the midday sun during summer in Denmark. The median patient reported symptoms on 29% and wore gloves on 11% of study days. There was a significant positive correlation between erythrocyte PpIX concentration and percentage of days wearing gloves (r = 0.65, p = 0.011), and a significant negative correlation between erythrocyte PpIX concentration and mean daily light dose on days not wearing gloves (r = -0.53, p = 0.049). Photosensitivity was strongly dependent on photopriming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida M Heerfordt
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jakob Heydenreich
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Peter A Philipsen
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Catharina M Lerche
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Hans Christian Wulf
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Heerfordt IM, Lerche CM, Wulf HC. Trends in erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX concentration by age, sex and season among patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria-20 years of follow-up. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2020; 32:101928. [PMID: 32717453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited disorder leading to an increased concentration of the photoactive protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in erythrocytes. Upon photoactivation in the dermal blood vessels and release to the skin, it causes painful skin symptoms when illuminated, depending on PpIX concentration. The present study aimed to investigate if erythrocyte PpIX concentration changes with age in patients with EPP. In addition, we tested gender differences and seasonal variation in erythrocyte PpIX concentration. METHODS 53 EPP patients aged 0-90 years were included in this retrospective observational study. A total of 751 blood samples were routinely analyzed for erythrocyte PpIX between 2000 and 2020. Trends in erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX concentration depending on age, sex and season were investigated. RESULTS Erythrocyte PpIX levels increased during childhood and youth (median annual increase of 2.7 μmol/L) to reach a stable level in adults though, with a decrease in concentration of about 8% in summer. On average the PpIX level was higher in men (mean of 56 μmol/L, range: 6-139) than women (mean of 38 μmol/L, range: 6-82). CONCLUSION We hope that our results can contribute to finding a physiological explanation for the changes in erythrocyte PpIX observed throughout the lives of patients with EPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida M Heerfordt
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Catharina M Lerche
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Christian Wulf
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
Increases in levels of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX; a heme precursor) may be driven by xenobiotic induction of aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) expression. ALAS1 is the rate-limiting enzyme of heme biosynthesis and may be upregulated to satisfy the increased need for heme in CYP450 enzymes. Therefore, a high-throughput fluorescence spectroscopy method that detects PPIX would enable the screening of drugs that increase ALAS1 through nuclear hormone receptor-mediated induction of transcription that may cause toxicity or even provide utility in the diagnosis or treatment of cancers that have elevated cellular PPIX levels. This chapter describes a high-throughput plate-based imaging technique for determining cellular protoporphyrin levels by using the GE Healthcare InCell 6000 confocal imaging system to detect the presence and location of PPIX in each cell and may be adapted for use with other imaging systems. Laser excitation and a scientific-grade complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera generate short exposure times, decreasing photobleaching in the target cells that may result in inaccurate measurements of PPIX and increasing screening throughput. Nuclear staining was detected by using a laser with 405-nm excitation and 455-nm emission wavelengths, and the presence of PPIX was measured using 405-nm excitation and 706-nm emission wavelengths. Image analysis involving top-hat segmentation on both nuclear and PPIX staining was performed by using the InCell Analyzer Workstation software. This assay may be adapted to screen for PPIX formation, degradation, and transportation effectors. Indeed, the inclusion of PPIX transport inhibition would be expected to further widen the linear range of fluorescence and improve the method.
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