[Iron metabolism and chloroquine phosphate therapy in porphyria cutanea tarda].

Abstract

The knowledge about the influence of chloroquine phosphate (CQ) on the iron metabolism in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is still insufficient. In a study on 138 PCT patients treated with CQ, we observed decreasing serum iron concentration, transferrin saturation, and hepatic siderosis, as well as an increasing level of transferrin. After a one-year therapy with CQ, the patients showed normal porphyrinuria. Since there were no statistical correlations between the degree of hepatic siderosis and porphyrinuria, and since we repeatedly found remission of the PCT in spite of the continued existence of hepatic siderosis, the removal of iron cannot be regarded as the only principle of action in CQ therapy. In comparison with chloroquine, phlebotomy obviously has--even with regard to the iron deposits--no decisive advantages.

• Authors: E Köstler, P Pollack, C Seebacher, H Riedel
• Journal: Zeitschrift fur Hautkrankheiten (Z Hautkr) Vol. 65 Issue 11 Pg. 1030-2, 1035 (Nov 1990) ISSN: 0301-0481 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Eisenstoffwechsel und Chloroquinphosphattherapie der Porphyria cutanea tarda.
• PMID: 2080653 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Porphyrins
• Transferrin
• chloroquine diphosphate
• Chloroquine
• Iron

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Chloroquine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Iron (blood)
• Male
• Porphyrias (blood, drug therapy)
• Porphyrins (urine)
• Skin Diseases (blood, drug therapy)
• Transferrin (metabolism)