Therapeutic approach to acute crises of hepatic porphyrias.

Acute hepatic porphyria is a genetic disorder affecting enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis. The most common subtype is acute intermittent porphyria, accounting for 80% of cases. Other types include hereditary coproporphyria, variegate porphyria, and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency. Attacks in acute hepatic porphyria are triggered by the induction of hepatic ALA synthase 1, leading to the accumulation of neurotoxic heme intermediates, delta-aminolevulinic acid, and porphobilinogen. Women experience attacks more frequently than men. Acute porphyria attacks are characterized by severe, diffuse abdominal pain, muscle weakness, autonomic neuropathy (including hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation), and changes in mental status. Early recognition of the disease is crucial as it requires urgent medical attention and treatment. Management includes intravenous opioids, glucose, hemin, and the removal of triggering factors. Preventive treatment options include hormone suppression therapy, off-label prophylactic hemin, Givosiran, and exceptionally liver transplantation.

PICO questions and DELPHI methodology for improving the management of patients with acute hepatic porphyria.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a group of rare diseases that encompasses acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and 5-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria. Symptoms of AHP are nonspecific which, together with its low prevalence, difficult the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This project used DELPHI methodology to answer PICO questions related to management of patients with AHPs. The objective was to reach a consensus among multidisciplinary porhyria experts providing answers to those PICO questions for improving diagnosis and follow-up of patients with AHP. RESULTS: Ten PICO questions were defined and grouped in four domains: 1. Biochemical diagnosis of patients with AHP. 2. Molecular tests for patients with AHP. 3. Follow-up of patients with AHP. 4. Screening for long-term complications of patients with AHP. CONCLUSIONS: PICO questions and DELPHI methodology have provided a consensus on relevant and controversial issues for improving the management of patients with AHP.

The burden of disease and quality of life in patients with acute hepatic porphyria: COPHASE study.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) comprises a group of rare genetic diseases characterized by neurovisceral crises that are manifested by abdominal pain and neurological and/or psychological symptoms that interfere with the ability to lead a normal life. Our objective was to determine the burden of the disease in one year and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with AHP. RESULTS: 28 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 36.6±10.2 years, 89.3% were women, and the average number of crises was 1.9±1.5. The average annual cost per patient was €38,255.40. 80.2% of the costs was direct medical costs, 17.5% was associated with loss of productivity and 2.3% was direct non-medical costs. 85.9% of the total cost corresponded to the crises. The intercrisis period accounted for the remaining 14.1%. The global index of the EQ-5D-5L (HRQoL) was 0.75±0.24. The dimensions of pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression and daily activities were the most affected. Leisure, travel/vacations and household activities were the most affected daily activities. 53.6% of patients required a caregiver due to AHP. 92.9% did not present overload and 7.1% presented extreme overload. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AHP are associated with a high economic impact and an affected HRQoL in the pain/discomfort dimension, with a negative impact on the performance of daily activities and a risk of psychiatric diseases.

Porfiria cutánea tarda que simula esclerosis sistémica progresiva / Porphyria cutanea tarda mimicking progressive systemic sclerosis

Resumen Los síndromes esclerodermiformes suelen imitar muy bien una esclerosis sistémica progresiva, y es la presencia de ampollas cutáneas en áreas fotoexpuestas con hiperpigmentación los datos diferenciales para diagnosticar una porfiria. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 48 años con fotosensibilidad, fragilidad capilar, ampollas cutáneas e hiperpigmentación asociado a esclerodactilia, con pérdida cicatrizal distal de tejido en los dedos de las manos, que simuló a la perfección una esclerosis sistémica progresiva. La analítica mostró negatividad para anticuerpos antinucleares, antitopoisomerasa y anticentrómero, con valores altos de uroporfirinas en orina. El tratamiento con flebotomías e hidroxicloquina mejoró la fotosensibilidad y la fragilidad cutánea.

Abstract Sclerodermiform syndromes usually mimic progressive systemic sclerosis very well, with the presence of skin blisters in photo-exposed areas with hyperpigmentation being the differential data for diagnosing porphyria. We present the case of a 48-year old man with photosensitivity, capillary fragility, skin blisters, and hyperpigmentation associated with sclerodactyly with distal scar tissue loss on the fingers, which perfectly simulated progressive systemic sclerosis. The analysis showed negativity for antinuclear, antitopoisomerase and anticentromere antibodies, with high levels of uroporphyrins in urine. Phlebotomy and hydroxycloquine treatment improved photosensitivity and skin fragility.

Rare mutation of the PPOX gene in a patient with Porphyria Variegate: a case report in Peru / Mutación rara del gen PPOX en un paciente con Porfiria Variegata: reporte de un caso en Perú

ABSTRACT Introduction: Variegate porphyria (VP) is a rare disease, resulting from mutation of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX) enzyme gene, and it is characterized by cutaneous manifestations and acute neuro-visceral symptoms. Case report: We describe the case of a 21-year-old woman from Peruvian highlands. The patient came to the emergency department for abdominal pain, quadriparesis and reddish urine. The patient also presented the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), motor neuropathy and respiratory failure. These clinical features were diagnosed as consequence of a porphyria crisis. The specific diagnosis was made with an elevated urinary porphobilinogen level (185.7 mg/24hours) and genetic analysis, which showed a rare pathogenic variant of the PPOX gene (nucleotide change: c.78C>A and protein change: p.Cys26*). The patient required intensive care until the administration of specific treatment with hemin. Conclusion: We report a case of VP with a pathogenic variant in the PPOX gene.

RESUMEN Introducción: La porfiria variegada (PV) es una enfermedad rara, resultante de la mutación del gen de la enzima protoporfirinógeno oxidasa (PPOX), se caracteriza por manifestaciones cutáneas y síntomas neuroviscerales agudos. Reporte de caso: Describimos el caso de una mujer de 21 años de la sierra peruana. La paciente acudió al servicio de urgencias por dolor abdominal, cuadriparesia y orina rojiza. La paciente también presentó el síndrome de secreción inapropiada de hormona antidiurética (SIADH), neuropatía motora e insuficiencia respiratoria. Estas características clínicas fueron diagnosticadas como consecuencia de una crisis de porfiria. El diagnóstico específico se realizó con un nivel elevado de porfobilinógeno en orina (185,7 mg/24horas) y el análisis genético, evidenció un rara variante patogénica del gen PPOX (cambio de nucleótido: c.78C>A y consecuentemente cambio de proteína: p.Cys26*). La paciente requirió cuidados intensivos hasta la administración de un tratamiento específico con hemina. Conclusion: Reportamos un caso de VP con una rara variante mutagénica en el gen PPOX.

Relación estructura-función de la enzima uroporfirinógeno descarboxilasa: implicancias para la comprensión y el tratamiento de la porfiria cutánea tarda / Structure-function relationship of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase: implications for the understanding and treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda / Relação estrutura-função da enzima uroporfirinogênio descarbioxilase: implicações para a compreensão e tratamento da porfiria cutânea tardia / Reconocimiento a la trayectoria del Prof. Dr. Juan Miguel Castagnino†

Resumen La uroporfirinógeno descarboxilasa humana (UROD-h) es la quinta enzima del camino biosintético del hemo y su actividad deficiente, relacionada a mutaciones en su gen, se encuentra asociada a un subgrupo de porfirias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la relación entre la dimerización de la enzima y su actividad enzimática y comprobar si la dimerización de UROD-h es imprescindible tanto para la primera etapa de la reacción (urogen→heptagen), como para la segunda etapa (heptagen→coprogen). Con ese objetivo, se expresó y purificó la UROD-h hasta homogeneidad, se analizó el comportamiento dímero-monómero bajo distintas condiciones que pudieran desplazar el equilibrio de dimerización y se evaluó la actividad enzimática en dichas condiciones. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la especie activa para la primera etapa de la reacción es el homodímero y que tanto el dímero como el monómero se comportan como especies activas para la segunda etapa de la reacción. Se propone que mutaciones clínicas como la Y311C, existentes en pacientes con porfiria cutánea tarda, podrían afectar la estabilidad del dímero y podrían ser el blanco para futuras terapias génicas.

Abstract Human uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD-h) is the fifth enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway and its deficient activity, related to mutations in its gene, is associated with a subset of porphyrias. The objective of this work was to study the relationship between the dimerisation of the enzyme and its enzymatic activity and to verify if the dimerisation of UROD-h is essential both for the first stage of the reaction (urogen→heptagen), and for the second stage (heptagen→ coprogen). With this objective, the UROD-h was expressed and purified to homogeneity, the dimer- monomer behaviour was analysed under different conditions, which could shift the dimerisation equilibrium, and the enzymatic activity was evaluated under these conditions. The results obtained suggest that the active species for the first stage of the reaction is the homodimer, and both the dimer and the monomer behaved as active species for the second stage of the reaction. It is proposed that clinical mutations such as Y311C, existing in porphyria cutanea tarda patients, could affect dimer stability and could be the target of future gene therapies.

Resumo A enzima uroporfirinogênio descarboxilase humana (UROD-h) é a quinta enzima da via biossintética do heme e sua atividade deficiente, relacionada com mutações em seu gene, está associada a um subgrupo de porfirias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a relação entre a dimerização da enzima e sua atividade enzimática e comprovar se a dimerização da UROD-h é imprescindível tanto para a primeira etapa da reação (urogênio→heptagênio), quanto para a segunda etapa (heptagênio→coprogênio). Com esse objetivo, a UROD-h foi expressa e purificada até a homogeneidade, o comportamento de dímero-monômero foi analisado sob diversas condições, que puderam deslocar o equilíbrio de dimerização, e a atividade enzimática foi avaliada em tais condições. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a espécie ativa para a primeira etapa da reação é o homodímero, e tanto o dímero quanto o monômero se comportam como espécies ativas para a segunda etapa da reação. Propõe-se que mutações clínicas como Y311C, existentes em pacientes com porfiria cutânea tardia, poderiam afetar a estabilidade do dímero e poderiam ser o alvo de futuras terapias gênicas em porfiria cutânea tardia.

Evolution of HCV associated porphyria cutanea tarda after HCV sustained virologic response by direct acting antivirals.

OBJECTIVES: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is common and usually associated with HCV chronic infection and HFE polymorphisms. Since DAA IFN-free regimens availability, SVR for HCV is nearly a constant and we wonder whether HCV SVR determine PCT evolution. METHODS: Retrospective observational study including patients with HCV associated PCT from the Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Departments at our Hospital, treated with DAA (Apr/2015-Apr/2017). Clinical variables of PCT were collected at PCT diagnosis, after PCT treatment, before DAA use and after SVR achievement. UROD activity and C282Y/H63D polymorphisms were registered. SPSS 22.0. RESULTS: 13 HCV-PCT patients included: median age 52.5 years; 4 females; 8 HCV/HIV co-infected (all on undetectable viral load). Classical PCT factors: 12 smoked, 9 alcohol abuse, 6 former IDU. 10 type I PCT and 1 type II PCT. HFE polymorphism: 2 cases with C282Y/H63D; H63D polymorphism in 8. PCT manifestations resolved with PCT treatment in 4 patients, almost completely in 7 patients, 1 patient referred stabilization and one worsened. After DAA treatment all the residual lesions resolved, what always led to specific treatment interruption. CONCLUSIONS: Our series of cases of HCV-associated PCT shows that SVR after DAA treatment leads to PCT resolution. Porphyrin levels are not needed after ending PCT specific treatment interruption when there are no residual skin lesions in HCV-associated PCT.

Ecografía neuromuscular en la diferenciación entre neuropatía porfírica desmielinizante y axonal / Neuromuscular ultrasound in the differentiation between demyelinating and axonal porphyric neuropathy

Introducción. Las porfirias son enfermedades hereditarias secundarias a mutación de genes que codifican para proteínas necesarias en el metabolismo de hemo, se presenta con una incidencia de 1:1700 y los ataques agudos sólo se presentan en 1% de estos, aún menos frecuente es la polineuropatía porfírica que clásicamente se ha descrito de características axonales, aunque se han reportado algunos casos de desmielinización primaria. Presentación de caso. Femenina de 26 años con antecedente de porfiria intermitente aguda quien presenta paresia distal en las 4 extremidades de predominio en miembros inferiores asociado a hipoestesia en bota y guante. Las neuroconducciones mostraban latencias prolongadas y disminución en las velocidades de conducción compatibles con desmielinización, la electromiografía evidenció denervación y reinervación. En la ecografía neuromuscular se encontraron nervios con área de corte transversal (CSA) normal o disminuido. Conclusión. El hallazgo de nervios con CSA normal o disminuido es poco probable en neuropatías desmielinizantes y compatible con degeneración axonal. La ecografía neuromuscular podría mejorar el rendimiento diagnostico de los estudios electrofisiológicos para diferencias polineuropatía primariamente axonal o desmielinizante.

Introduction. Porphyrias are hereditary diseases secondary to mutation of genes coding for proteins necessary for heme metabolism, occurring with an incidence of 1:1700 and acute attacks occur in only 1% of these, even less frequent is porphyric polyneuropathy which has been classically described as having axonal characteristics, although some cases of primary demyelination have been reported. Case presentation. A 26-year-old female with a history of acute intermittent porphyria presented with distal paresis in all 4 extremities, predominantly in the lower limbs, associated with hypoesthesia in the boot and glove. Neuroconductions showed prolonged latencies and decreased conduction velocities compatible with demyelination, electromyography showed denervation and reinnervation. Neuromuscular ultrasound showed nerves with normal or decreased cross-sectional area (CSA). Conclusion. The finding of nerves with normal or decreased CSA is unlikely in demyelinating neuropathies and compatible with axonal degeneration. Neuromuscular ultrasound could improve the diagnostic yield of electrophysiological studies for differences in primarily axonal or demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Acute hepatic porphyria: when to perform liver transplantation?

. (AU)Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are inborn errors of hemebiosynthesis and its most common and severe type is the acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). AIP is an hereditary autosomal dominant disease caused by accumulated porphobilinogen deaminase (PBG) and delta aminolevulin acid (ALA) products. The main symptoms are severe abdominal pain, neuromuscular and psychiatric disturbances, nausea, vomiting, encephalopathy, tachycardia, seizures, tremors and hypertension, that usually are manifested by acute crises. The treatment is based on clinical management and in cases which the patient's quality of life is affected liver transplantation (LT) may be an alternative choice. We report the case of a patient with AHP presenting recurrent crisis leading to chronic symptoms occurrence and poor quality of life with progressive unresponsiveness to hemin treatment. Patient was submitted to LT as curative therapy proposal, but patient still presents some clinical manifestations that may indicate the possibility of a secondary cause to explain persistence of her symptoms despite of biochemical normalization of ALA and PBG. (AU)

As porfirias hepáticas agudas (PHA) compreendem um grupo de porfirias que apresentam erros inatos na biossíntese do grupo heme, sendo a mais severa e o tipo mais comum da PHA, a porfiria aguda intermitente (PAI). A PAI é uma doença autossômica dominante causada pelo acúmulo dos produtos porfobilinogênio deaminase (PBG) e ácido delta-aminolevulínico (ALA). Os principais sintomas são dor abdominal intensa, distúrbios neuromusculares e psiquiátricos, náuseas, vômitos, encefalopatia, taquicardia, febre, tremores e hipertensão, os quais normalmente são manifestados durante as crises agudas. O tratamento é baseado no manejo clínico de todos pacientes durante a crise. Para os casos em que a qualidade de vida do paciente é afetada negativamente, a terapêutica de transplante hepático poderá ser indicada. O objetivo do relato de caso é introduzir o tratamento de uma paciente com recorrentes crises agudas de porfiria e danos em sua qualidade de vida. Uma vez que a paciente não apresentou melhora após tratamento com hematina, foi submetida ao transplante hepático visando a cura da doença. Após o transplante, a paciente ainda apresentou alguns sintomas clínicos, necessitando reformular uma segunda hipótese para explicar a persistência de tais sintomas apesar da normalização dos níveis de ALA e PBG. (AU)

Porfiria hepato eritropoyética asociada a diabetes mellitus tipo 1: a propósito de un caso clínico / A clinical case of hepato-erythropoietic porphyria associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus / Relato de caso de porfiria hepato-eritropoiética associada a diabetes mellitus tipo 1

Las porfirias son un grupo complejo y heterogéneo de defectos en la vía de la síntesis del hemo. La porfiria hepato eritropoyética es un subtipo muy poco frecuente y de presentación en la infancia, con compromiso cutáneo predominante. Describimos el caso clínico de una paciente de 5 años, que se presenta con lesiones cutáneas e hipertricosis, se confirma el diagnóstico por elevación de uroporfirinas en orina y secuenciación del gen UROD.

Porphyria is a complex and heterogeneous group of heme synthesis disorder. Hepato-erythropoietic porphyria is a very rare subtype that onsets in childhood, and shows predominant skin involvement. We describe the clinical case of a 5-year-old patient who showed skin lesions and hypertrichosis and whose diagnosis was confirmed due to increased uroporphyrins in urine and UROD gene sequencing

A porfiria é um grupo complexo e heterogêneo de distúrbios da síntese do grupo heme. A porfiria hepato-eritropoiética é um subtipo muito raro que se inicia na infância e mostra envolvimento predominante da pele. Descrevemos o caso clínico de uma paciente de 5 anos que apresentou lesões cutâneas e hipertricose e cujo diagnóstico foi confirmado por aumento de uroporfirinas na urina e sequenciamento do gene UROD.

Dolor abdominal y parálisis flácida, una aproximación a las porfirias: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Flaccid paralysis and abdominal pain, an approach to porphyrias: a literature review and case series

RESUMEN Las porfirias son trastornos metabólicos hereditarios causados por deficiencias enzimáticas de la biosíntesis del grupo HEM. Con presentación en distintos grupos de edades, más común en infancia y tercera a cuarta década de la vida, se caracterizan por elevación de porfirinas, y manifestaciones variadas cutáneas y neuro viscerales. Describimos una serie de 3 casos de pacientes femeninas en tercera década de la vida con dolor abdominal severo e inespecífico y una amplia gama de manifestaciones clínicas con sus complicaciones a corto y largo plazo en quienes se diagnosticó porfiria aguda intermitente (PAI). Se hará revisión en la literatura para aportar al reconocimiento temprano de estas condiciones e instaurar de forma temprana el manejo específico e impactar en desenlaces irreversibles.

ABSTRACT Porphyrias are inherited metabolic disorders caused by enzymatic deficiencies of HEM group biosynthesis. Most common in childhood at the third and fourth decade of life. They are characterized by increased levels of porphyrins, and various cutaneous, neurological, and visceral manifestations. We describe a series of 3 cases of female patients in the third decade of life with abdominal pain and a wide range of clinical manifestations and short and long-term complications. Our review contributes to the early recognition of these diseases to establish early specific managements to impact on irreversible outcomes.

Use of sugammadex in acute intermittent porphyria / Uso de sugammadex en la porfiria aguda intermitente

Abstract: Porphyrias are a group of rare diseases, which include acute intermittent porphyria. It is essential for the anesthesiologist to identify acute porphyrias and to recognize a porphyric crises. These can be triggered by several factors, which can be present throughout the perioperative period. A 70-year-old male, ASA III, with a personal history of acute intermittent porphyria and ischemic heart disease, scheduled for laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Prolonged fasting, dehydration and potentially porphyrinogenic drugs were avoided. General anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, lidocaine, propofol and rocuronium and maintained with desflurane. The decision to reverse the neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex was considered due to the benefits over risks of this drug when compared to neostigmine (associated with atropine) and the description of its use without harm in two cases of variegate porphyria. The following paper emphasize the importance of careful anesthetic management throughout the perioperative period and describe a case of successful reversal of neuromuscular block with sugammadex, highlighting this case as the first case reported of its use in acute intermittent porphyria.

Resumen: Las porfirias son un grupo de enfermedades raras, entre las que se encuentra la porfiria aguda intermitente. Es fundamental que el anestesista identifique las porfirias agudas y reconozca una crisis porfírica. Éstos pueden ser desencadenados por varios factores, que pueden estar presentes durante todo el periodo perioperatorio. Varón de 70 años, ASA III, con antecedentes personales de porfiria aguda intermitente y cardiopatía isquémica, programado para sigmoidectomía laparoscópica. Se evitó el ayuno prolongado, la deshidratación y los fármacos potencialmente porfirinógenos. La anestesia general se indujo con fentanilo, lidocaína, propofol y rocuronio y se mantuvo con desflurano. La decisión de revertir el bloqueo neuromuscular con sugammadex se consideró debido a los beneficios sobre los riesgos de este fármaco en comparación con la neostigmina (asociada con la atropina) y a la descripción de su uso sin daños en dos casos de porfiria variegada. El siguiente artículo enfatiza la importancia de un manejo anestésico cuidadoso durante todo el periodo perioperatorio y describe un caso de reversión exitosa del bloqueo neuromuscular con sugammadex, destacando este caso como el primero reportado de su uso en porfiria aguda intermitente.

Acute hepatic porphyrias for the neurologist: current concepts and perspectives / Porfirias hepáticas agudas para o neurologista: conceitos atuais e perspectivas

ABSTRACT Background: Acute hepatic porphyrias represent an expanding group of complex inherited metabolic disorders due to inborn errors of metabolism involving heme biosynthesis. Objective: We aimed to review the main clinical and therapeutic aspects associated with acute hepatic porphyrias. Methods: The authors provided a wide non-systematic review of current concepts and recently acquired knowledge about acute hepatic porphyrias. Results: Acute neurovisceral attacks are the most common and life-threatening presentation of this group and are often considered the main clinical manifestation by clinicians during differential diagnosis and the start of proper diagnostic work-up for acute porphyrias. However, atypical presentations with central nervous system involvement, neuropsychiatric disturbances, and some subtypes with photosensitivity usually make the definite diagnosis difficult and late. Early therapeutic interventions are essential during emergency treatment and intercritical periods to avoid recurrent severe presentations. The availability of new disease-modifying therapeutic proposals based on small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapies, complementary to the classic intravenous glucose infusion and hemin-based treatments, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients. Conclusions: This review article highlights the main biochemical, pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of acute hepatic porphyrias in clinical practice.

RESUMO Introdução: As porfirias hepáticas agudas representam um grupo de doenças metabólicas hereditárias complexas em expansão, decorrentes de erros inatos do metabolismo, envolvendo a via de biossíntese do grupamento heme. Objetivo: realizar revisão dos principais aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos associados com as porfirias hepáticas agudas. Métodos: Os autores realizaram ampla revisão não-sistemática sobre conceitos atuais e conhecimentos recentemente adquiridos. Resultados: Ataques neuroviscerais agudos representam a apresentação clínica mais comum e de maior risco, e são comumente considerados como principal manifestação na prática clínica durante o diagnóstico diferencial e início apropriado da investigação diagnóstica para porfirias agudas. Entretanto, apresentações atípicas com envolvimento do sistema nervoso central, alterações neuropsiquiátricas e alguns subtipos com fotossensibilidade fazem com que o diagnóstico definitivo seja comumente difícil e tardio. As intervenções terapêuticas precoces são essenciais durante o tratamento emergencial e em período intercrítico evitando formas recorrentes graves. A disponibilidade de novas propostas terapêuticas modificadoras de doença baseadas em terapias com pequenas moléculas de RNA de interferência (siRNA) complementares aos clássicos tratamentos com infusão de glicose intravenosa e à base de hemina enfatiza a importância do diagnóstico precoce de tais pacientes e do aconselhamento genético. Conclusões: Este artigo de revisão destaca os principais aspectos bioquímicos, fisiopatológicos, clínicos e terapêuticos das porfirias hepáticas agudas na prática clínica.

Protocol For Patients With Suspected Acute Porphyria. / Protocolo de actuación en pacientes con sospecha de porfiria aguda.

Porphyrias are a group of congenital errors in porphyrin metabolism and in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Accumulation of porphyrin precursors (delta-aminolaevulinic acid and porphobilinogen) is responsible for the neurovisceral crises of acute porphyria, which, when expressed clinically, start with intense abdominal pain. During crises, the urinary elimination of porphobilinogen and delta-aminolaevulinic acid is always very high. Excessive porphobilinogen concentration in urine is easily identified using the simple Hoesch test. A negative test rules out a current porphyric crisis. The clinical protocol for patients with acute abdominal pain of unknown origin in whom a positive Hoesch test leads to the suspicion of acute porphyria is based on the following aspects: initial clinical assessment in the emergency department, suppression of potential triggers, specific treatment for the crisis with hemin and/or glucose overload and symptomatic treatment.

Porfiria intermitente aguda: reporte de caso / Acute intermittent porphyria: A case report

El término 'porfiria' proviene del griego 'porphyra' y alude a un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos metabólicos causados por una deficiencia enzimática en la biosíntesis del grupo hemo. La causa de la porfiria intermitente aguda es la deficiencia de la enzima deaminasa del porfobilinógeno. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 40 años que presentó dolor abdominal de 10 días de evolución, trastorno hidroelectrolítico grave debido a hiponatremia e hipopotasemia, taquicardia e hipertensión arterial sistémica persistentes, por lo cual fue sometida a una laparotomía en la que no se encontró ninguna afección de origen quirúrgico, A los siete días del examen inicial, la paciente desarrolló cuadriparesia flácida aguda y presentó una crisis convulsiva tónico-clónica generalizada. Los estudios neurofisiológicos evidenciaron una polineuropatía axonal mixta, y los valores de porfobilinógeno y porfirinas en orina eran elevados. Tras diagnosticarse porfiria intermitente aguda, esta se trató con hemina, lo que estabilizó los signos clínicos y normalizó el porfobilinógeno. La prevalencia de esta enfermedad es de 1 en 2.000 personas. Tiene un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante y se manifiesta principalmente en mujeres con edades entre los 20 y los 40 años. La enfermedad cursa con síntomas neurológicos y viscerales, y se trata con la administración de hemina y dextrosa, evitando las soluciones hipotónicas por el riesgo de exacerbar la hiponatremia.

The term 'porphyria' comes from the Greek 'porphyra'. It refers to a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders caused by the enzymatic deficiency in the biosynthesis of the heme group. Acute intermittent porphyria is caused by a deficiency of the porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme. A 40-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain for ten days (which required laparotomy that evidenced no surgical pathology), severe hydroelectrolytic disorder due to hyponatremia and resistant hypokalemia, persistent tachycardia and hypertension. Seven days later, she developed acute flabby quadriparesis and presented a single generalized tonic-clonic convulsive crisis. Neurophysiological studies supported mixed axonal polyneuropathy and urine results of porphobilinogen and porphyrins were elevated. After acute intermittent porphyria was diagnosed, hemin was administered, which stabilized the patient's clinical signs and normalized the porphobilinogen. The prevalence of this entity is 1 in 2,000 people. It is an autosomal dominant disease, which affects mainly women between 20 and 40 years of age. This entity manifests with neurological and visceral symptoms. Management consists of hematin and dextrose administration avoiding hypotonic solutions because of the risk of exacerbating hyponatremia.

Porfiria cutánea tarda vs pseudoporfiria cutánea tarda en un paciente en hemodiálisis. Presentación de un caso / Porphyria Cutaneous Tarda versus Pseudoporphyria Cutaneous Tarda in a hemodialysis patient. Case presentation

RESUMEN La porfiria cutánea tarda (PCT) es una enfermedad relativamente común. Es el resultado de la deficiencia funcional de una enzima llamada uroporfirinógeno descarboxilasa. En los pacientes en hemodiálisis periódica intermitente, se describe una situación clínica similar llamada pseudoporfiria cutánea tarda.Se presenta el caso de un paciente en hemodiálisis periódica intermitente durante 5 años con hepatopatía por virus C que desarrolla lesiones ampollosas en la piel expuesta al sol, y tuvo una respuesta adecuada a la terapéutica indicada (se basó en la restricción del uso del hierro, en un uso más efectivo de la eritropoyetina, flebotomías periódicas de poco volumen y protección de las radiaciones solares). Las lesiones desaparecieron con las medidas médicas adoptadas mejorando la calidad de vida del paciente.

ABSTRACT Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a relatively common disease. It is the result of the functional deficiency of an enzyme called uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. In patients on intermittent periodic hemodialysis, it is described a similar clinical situation called late cutaneous pseudoporphyria. The case of a patient in intermittent periodic hemodialysis for 5 years is presented. The patient has C virus liver disease that develops bullous lesions on the skin exposed to the sun, and had an adequate response to the indicated therapy (based on the restriction of iron use, in a more effective use of erythropoietin, periodic phlebotomies of low volume and protection from solar radiation). The lesions disappeared with the medical measures taken to improve the patient's quality of life.

Porfirias agudas: manifestaciones inespecíficas y manejo terapéutico inespecíficas y manejo terapéutico específico / Acute porphyrias: non-specific manifestations and specific therapeutic management specific therapeutic management

Revisión clínica, científica, teórica y documental teniendo como objetivo principal realizar una revisión sobre la porfiria aguda, su enfoque, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se utilizó una metodología descriptiva, cualitativa y teórica que permitió la revisión bibliográfica de los estudios relacionados con la porfiria aguda, trastorno congénito poco frecuente que causa alteraciones en las enzimas de la biosíntesis del grupo hem. La importancia de esta patología radica en que se confunde con otras enfermedades debido al cuadro clínico complejo difícil de identificar, lo que ocasiona un diagnóstico tardío que puede comprometer la vida del paciente y por ello se conoce como enfermedad silenciosa. Como conclusión se recomienda mayor atención a los factores precipitantes de los ataques agudos por la elevada morbimortalidad, así como hacer un diagnóstico rápido y oportuno por medios cualitativos y cuantitativos solicitando PBG (porfobilinógeno) y ALA (ácido delta aminolevulínico).

This was a clinical, scientific, theoretical and documental review aimed to conduct a revision on the approach, diagnosis and treatment of acute porphyria. A descriptive, quantitative and theoretical methodology was used, allowing a bibliographic review of the studies on acute porphyria, an unusual congenital disorder characterized by the deficiency of specific enzymes involved in the heme group biosynthesis. This disease importance lies on being confused with other conditions due to its complex clinical manifestations leading to a delayed diagnosis which may become life-threatening thus it is known as a silent disease In conclusion, identifying the precipitating factors of acute attacks for its high morbidity and mortality, as well as achieving a rapid and timely diagnosis by using a quantitative or qualitative determination of PBG (porphobilinogen)) and ALA (delta-aminolevulinic acid) levels, deserve special attention.

Estudio evolutivo de metabolitos porfirínicos de un caso de porfiria cutánea tardía / Porphyrins in a case of porphyria cutanea tarda: follow-up study

Resumen Las porfirias son errores congénitos poco frecuentes del metabolismo de las porfirinas. La porfiria cutánea tardía (PCT) es la más frecuente dentro de este grupo de enfermedades. Reportamos el estudio evolutivo de metabolitos porfirínicos de una paciente de 51 años con porfiria cutánea tardía, cuatro años después de su diagnóstico. Durante este período, se le indicó un esquema terapéutico de flebotomías en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Uno de los exámenes complementarios para su seguimiento fue la determinación de porfirinas totales en la orina, plasma y heces. Los resultados del estudio bioquímico de las porfirinas mostraron mejoría en todos los parámetros, lo que contribuyó a corroborar la utilidad del estudio de estos metabolitos como seguimiento de esta enfermedad y efectividad del tratamiento.

Abstract Porphyrias are rare congenital errors in the metabolism of porphyrins. Porphyria cutanea tarda is the most frequent among different types of porphyrias. We report the follow-up study of porphyrin metabolites of a 51-year-old patient with porphyria cutanea tarda four years later of her diagnosis. During this period, it was indicated a therapeutic scheme of phlebotomies in the Institute of Hematology and Immunology. One of the complementary examinations for its follow-up was the determination of total porphyrins in the urine, plasma and feces. Porphyrins in plasma decreased from 13 500 nmol/L at onset of disease to 250 nmol/L four years later. Although, porphyrins in feces and plasma could not quantify, we observed non-presence of peaks at 405 nm and 615.1 nm, respectively. These results contributed to corroborate the usefulness of the study of these metabolites for monitoring of this disease and effectiveness of the treatment.

Porfiria eritropoyética. presentración de un caso / Erythropoietic porphyria. a case report

RESUMEN Las porfirias constituyen un grupo de trastornos, causados por defectos en la vía de síntesis del grupo hemo. En la porfiriaeritropoyética congénita, existe deficiencia de la uroporfirinógenosintetasa, lo que a su vez provoca acumulación de grandes cantidades de uroporfirina I en todos los tejidos, dando lugar a fotosensibilidad con lesiones mutilantes de la piel,eritrodoncia, anemia hemolítica, esplenomegalia y fragilidad ósea. El diagnóstico definitivo se fundamenta en la demostración de la actividad deficiente de la uroporfirinógenosintetasa o la determinación de mutaciones específicas en el gen respectivo;su tratamiento requiere colaboración multidisciplinaria. En el presente artículo se describe un caso de porfiriaeritropoyética, con la presentación clínica dermatológica muy característica.

SUMMARY Porphyrias are a group of disorders caused by defects in the synthesis pathway of heme. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria is characterized by uroporphyrinogen synthase deficiency, which causes accumulation of large amounts of uroporphyrin Iin all tissues; resulting in photosensitivity with mutilating skin lesions, erythrodontia, hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly, and bone fragility. Definitive diagnosis is based on demonstrating poor uroporphyrinogen synthase activity or determination of specific mutations in the respective gene; treatment requires multidisciplinary collaboration. A case of erythropoietic porphyria, with classical dermatological clinical presentation is reported.

Psicoterapia de constructos personales: intervención centrada en dilemas en un caso de ansiedad generalizada / Psychotherapy of personal constructs: intervention focused on dilemmas in a case of generalized anxiety

Esta presentación de caso, expone una intervención de Constructos Personales centrada en dilemas implicativos en una adolescente de 16 años de la ciudad de Medellín diagnosticada con Porfiria Aguda Intermitente de acuerdo con la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (CIE 10) y con Trastorno De Ansiedad Generalizada (TAG) acorde a los criterios del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales, quinta edición (DSM 5). El proceso terapéutico se desarrolló en deciseís sesiones, teniendo como punto de referencia los parámetros propuestos por Senra, Feixas y Fernandes (2005), quienes plantean un protocolo general para el abordaje de estructuras dilemáticas, igualmente se consideró la elaboración posterior de Feixas y Compañ (2015) para el diseño del proceso terapéutico. Se definieron los dilemas implicativos a partir de la entrevista, la técnica de rejilla y la autocaracterización (Kelly, 1955). Durante la psicoterapia se abordaron dos de las configuraciones dilemáticas, las cuales se relacionaban con competencia personal e interacción social. En la etapa de finalización del tratamiento se evidenciaron cambios significativos a nivel del sistema de construcciones personales tales como el aumento de la autoestima, mayor percepción de cercanía con las personas significativas, así como una mayor adecuación de éstos a sus construcciones valoradas, transformaciones cuantificadas gracias a la Técnica de Rejilla de Kelly. Igualmente, a nivel sintomático se lograron cambios notables, partiendo de la comparación de las mediciones pre-post tratamiento obtenidas con el inventario de ansiedad y depresión de Beck (BAI, BDI II). Estos resultados aportan evidencia a la Psicología de Constructos Personales, confirmando hallazgos anteriormente expuestos en la literatura científica.

This case presentation exposes an intervention of personal constructs, focused on implicative dilemmas in a 16-year-old girl from Medellin diagnosed with intermittent acute porphyria (AIP) according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10) and with disorder of generalized anxiety (DGA) according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5). The therapeutic process was developed in sixteen sessions, having as reference the parameters proposed by Senra, Feixas, and Fernandes (2005), who propose a general protocol for the approach of dilemmatic structures, the subsequent elaboration of Feixas and Compañ was also considered (2015) for the design of the therapeutic process. The implicative dilemmas were defined from the interview, the grid technique and the self-characterization (Kelly, 1955). During psychotherapy, two of the dilemmatic configurations were addressed, which related to personal competence and social interaction. In the stage of completion of the treatment, significant changes were evidenced at the level of the personal construction system such as the increase of self-esteem, greater perception of closeness with significant people, as well as, a greater adaptation of these to their value constructions; quantified transformations thanks to Kelly's Grid Technique. Similarly, significant changes were achieved at the symptomatic level, based on the comparison of pre-post treatment measurements obtained with Beck's anxiety and depression inventory (BAI, BDI II). These results provide evidence to the psychology of personal constructs, which confirms findings previously exposed in the scientific literature.