Development of porphyria cutanea tarda in a hemodialysis patient after reactivation of hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract

Cases of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are occasionally reported in hemodialysis patients. Recently, hepatitis C virus has been recognized as a precipitating factor of PCT. The activity of the liver disease may be critical for the appearance of PCT. In this regard, liver disease reactivation after treatment with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) is a well-known phenomenon. We report the case of a hemodialysis patient who developed PCT coincidentally with reactivation of liver disease, immediately after treatment with IFN-alpha. Therefore, in the present case, reactivation of hepatitis after IFN-alpha withdrawal could be the triggering factor. The occurrence of a bout of PCT should be considered as a possible complication at the end of IFN-alpha therapy, if reactivation of the disease exists.

• Authors: M Albalate, M C Fariñas, J G Octavio, J H Perez, M Goicoechea, C Caramelo
• Journal: Nephron (Nephron) Vol. 88 Issue 2 Pg. 170-3 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 1660-8151 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11399922 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• Recombinant Proteins
• Iron

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Hepatitis C (complications, metabolism)
• Humans
• Hypertension, Malignant (complications)
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (therapeutic use)
• Iron (therapeutic use)
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (complications)
• Liver Function Tests
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (drug therapy, etiology)
• Recombinant Proteins
• Renal Dialysis