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Eroglu S, Birsenogul I. Delirium with delayed diagnosis of hereditary coproporphyria. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e05937. [PMID: 35662770 PMCID: PMC9163461 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a hereditary coproporphyria patient with acute psychiatric symptoms and skin lesions initially misdiagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and later developed hyperactive delirium and atrial fibrillation requiring intensive care unit admission. He recovered after administering glucose infusions and the discontinuation of porphyrinogenic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Eroglu
- Department of Internal Medicine Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Ilhan Birsenogul
- Department of Internal Medicine SBU Adana Sehir Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi Adana Turkey
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Anderson KE, Lobo R, Salazar D, Schloetter M, Spitzer G, White AL, Young RM, Bonkovsky HL, Frank EL, Mora J, Tortorelli S. Biochemical Diagnosis of Acute Hepatic Porphyria: Updated Expert Recommendations for Primary Care Physicians. Am J Med Sci 2021; 362:113-121. [PMID: 33865828 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a group of rare, metabolic diseases where patients can experience acute neurovisceral attacks, chronic symptoms, and long-term complications. Diagnostic biochemical testing is widely available and effective, but a substantial time from symptom onset to diagnosis often delays treatment and increases morbidity. A panel of laboratory scientists and clinical AHP specialists collaborated to produce recommendations on how to enhance biochemical diagnosis of AHP in the USA. AHP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain, the most common symptom, soon after excluding common causes. Measurement of porphobilinogen (PBG) and porphyrins in a random urine sample, with results normalized to creatinine, is recommended as an effective and cost-efficient initial test for AHP. Delta-aminolevulinic acid testing may be included but is not essential. The optimal time to collect a urine sample is during an attack. Substantial PBG elevation confirms an AHP diagnosis and allows for prompt treatment initiation. Additional testing can determine AHP subtype and identify at-risk family members. Increased awareness of AHP and correct diagnostic methods will reduce diagnostic delay and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raynah Lobo
- Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | - Denise Salazar
- Quest Diagnostics, Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | | | - Gary Spitzer
- Strategic Medical Testing Services, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Amy L White
- Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Randolph M Young
- Special Chemistry Department, LabCorp Center for Esoteric Testing, Burlington, NC, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth L Frank
- Department of Pathology and ARUP Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Silvia Tortorelli
- Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Stölzel U, Doss MO, Schuppan D. Clinical Guide and Update on Porphyrias. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:365-381.e4. [PMID: 31085196 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Physicians should be aware of porphyrias, which could be responsible for unexplained gastrointestinal, neurologic, or skin disorders. Despite their relative rarity and complexity, most porphyrias can be easily defined and diagnosed. They are caused by well-characterized enzyme defects in the complex heme biosynthetic pathway and are divided into categories of acute vs non-acute or hepatic vs erythropoietic porphyrias. Acute hepatic porphyrias (acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficient porphyria) manifest in attacks and are characterized by overproduction of porphyrin precursors, producing often serious abdominal, psychiatric, neurologic, or cardiovascular symptoms. Patients with variegate porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria can present with skin photosensitivity. Diagnosis relies on measurement of increased urinary 5-aminolevulinic acid (in patients with aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficient porphyria) or increased 5-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen (in patients with other acute porphyrias). Management of attacks requires intensive care, strict avoidance of porphyrinogenic drugs and other precipitating factors, caloric support, and often heme therapy. The non-acute porphyrias are porphyria cutanea tarda, erythropoietic protoporphyria, X-linked protoporphyria, and the rare congenital erythropoietic porphyria. They lead to the accumulation of porphyrins that cause skin photosensitivity and occasionally severe liver damage. Secondary elevated urinary or blood porphyrins can occur in patients without porphyria, for example, in liver diseases, or iron deficiency. Increases in porphyrin precursors and porphyrins are also found in patients with lead intoxication. Patients with porphyria cutanea tarda benefit from iron depletion, hydroxychloroquine therapy, and, if applicable, elimination of the hepatitis C virus. An α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue can reduce sunlight sensitivity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria. Strategies to address dysregulated or dysfunctional steps within the heme biosynthetic pathway are in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Stölzel
- Saxony Porphyria Center, Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Manfred O Doss
- German Competence Center for Porphyria Diagnosis and Consultation, Marburg, Germany; Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Abstract
Acute porphyrias are rare inherited disorders due to deficiencies of haem synthesis enzymes. To date, all UK cases have been one of the three autosomal dominant forms, although penetrance is low and most gene carriers remain asymptomatic. Clinical presentation is typically with acute neurovisceral attacks characterised by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, tachycardia and hypertension. Severe attacks may be complicated by hyponatraemia, peripheral neuropathy sometimes causing paralysis, seizures and psychiatric features. Attacks are triggered by prescribed drugs, alcohol, hormonal changes, fasting or stress. The diagnosis is made by finding increased porphobilinogen excretion in a light-protected random urine sample. Management includes administration of intravenous human haemin and supportive treatment with non-porphyrinogenic drugs. A few patients develop recurrent attacks, a chronic illness requiring specialist management. Late complications include chronic pain, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic renal failure and hypertension. In the UK, the National Acute Porphyria Service provides clinical advice and supplies haemin when indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope E Stein
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael N Badminton
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - David C Rees
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Stein P, Badminton M, Barth J, Rees D, Stewart MF. Best practice guidelines on clinical management of acute attacks of porphyria and their complications. Ann Clin Biochem 2013; 50:217-23. [PMID: 23605132 DOI: 10.1177/0004563212474555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The British and Irish Porphyria Network guidelines describe best practice in the clinical assessment, investigation and management of acute porphyria attacks and their complications, including severe attacks with neuropathy. Acute attacks of porphyria may occur in acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), variegate porphyria (VP) and hereditary coproporphyria (HCP). Aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria (ADP) is a very rare autosomal recessive porphyria; only six cases substantiated by mutation analysis have yet been described in the literature. Urinary porphobilinogen (PBG) is always raised in an acute attack due to AIP, VP or HCP and this analysis is essential to confirm the diagnosis. A positive result in a qualitative or semi-quantitative screening test must be followed by PBG quantitation at the earliest opportunity. However in a severely ill patient, treatment should not be delayed. Removal of precipitating factors, effective analgesia and control of symptoms with safe medication, attention to nutrition and fluid balance are essential. The indications for use of intravenous haem arginate are set out, together with advice on its administration. A small proportion of acute porphyria patients develop recurrent attacks and management options that may be considered include gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, 'prophylactic' regular haem arginate infusion or ultimately, liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Stein
- Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Marsden JT, Rees DC. Urinary excretion of porphyrins, porphobilinogen and δ-aminolaevulinic acid following an attack of acute intermittent porphyria. J Clin Pathol 2013; 67:60-5. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2012-201367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Bonnin A, Picornell A, Orfila J, Castro JA, Ramon MM. Clinic and genetic evaluation of variegate porphyria (VP) in a large family from the Balearic Islands. J Inherit Metab Dis 2009; 32 Suppl 1. [PMID: 19229653 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-009-1059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Revised: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 12/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Variegate porphyria (VP) (an autosomal dominant disease), is clinically characterized by skin photosensitivity and/or acute neurovisceral crises and biochemically by high levels of faecal protoporphyrin and coproporphyrin. It results from the partial deficiency of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX gene). Genetic heterogeneity has been reported in this gene, although no genotype-phenotype correlation has been evidenced. We have sequenced 27 members of a single large Majorcan family with several individuals that exhibit VP symptoms: two of the eight patients had only skin symptoms (25%), one patient had only acute visceral crises (12.5%), one patient had both manifestations (12.5%) and the rest were completely asymptomatic (50%). In eight individuals, a T>A transversion at the intron 6 consensus splicing site was found (IVS6+2T>A), but only four of them presented clinical symptoms. We have also detected four polymorphic positions, three non-coding and one non-synonymous coding: c.-414A>C; IVS2+121G>C; c.1188G>A and IVS12+34C>T. Although IVS12+34C>T change has been reported to cause VP, generalized linear model (GLM) analyses showed no significant association between these SNPs and phenotypic manifestations. Only three mtDNA haplogroups were detected in this family: H, K and U(5a1). Two of them are relatively common in Balearic Islands. Our family evidenced a positive correlation between the clinically overt VP and haplogroup H. Thus, it seems that, in this family, the haplogroup H could be involved in the expression of the disease. The GLM analyses evidenced an association between haplogroup H, mutation IVS6+2T>A and clinically overt variegate porphyria.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bonnin
- Consorci del Laboratori Intercomarcal, Vilafranca del Penedés, Spain
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Aarsand AK, Petersen PH, Sandberg S. Estimation and Application of Biological Variation of Urinary δ-Aminolevulinic Acid and Porphobilinogen in Healthy Individuals and in Patients with Acute Intermittent Porphyria. Clin Chem 2006; 52:650-6. [PMID: 16595824 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2005.060772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Diagnosis of an attack of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is based on the demonstration of increased concentrations of porphobilinogen (PBG) and δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in urine, but many AIP patients also have high baseline concentrations in remission. The aim of this study was to estimate the biological variations of ALA, PBG, and porphyrins in healthy individuals and AIP patients to improve interpretation of test results.
Methods: Fifteen healthy individuals and 15 AIP patients were included, and biological variations were calculated based on urine samples collected weekly for 10 consecutive weeks. For the AIP patients, long-term variations were also estimated based on 7 samples collected through a 2-year period.
Results: The porphyrin variances were inhomogeneously distributed; biological variations of porphyrins were therefore not calculated. The within-subject biological variations of ALA and PBG were 16%–20% in the short-term settings and for PBG, 25% in the long-term setting, giving reference change values of ∼50% and 70%, respectively. The probability of detecting a 100% real change in PBG was 97% in the short-term setting and 80% in the long-term setting.
Conclusions: In an AIP patient, a 2-fold increase in PBG, independent of the baseline concentration, will be detected with a probability >80% and is most likely related to the patient’s disease and not caused only by analytical and biological variation. When PBG is used in the assessment of AIP-related symptoms, both the PBG concentration in remission and the length of time since the previous sample must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasne K Aarsand
- Norwegian Porphyria Centre, NAPOS, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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