Chronic elevation of liver enzymes in acute intermittent porphyria initially misdiagnosed as autoimmune hepatitis.

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease characterized by an elevation of liver enzymes, as well as specific autoantibodies. It is more common in women than men. We describe a 32-year-old woman with elevated transaminases, autoantibodies, and a liver biopsy result suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis. The indicated treatment was administered without showing a satisfactory response. The patient had a family history of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) so we decided to begin treatment with hematin, achieving a complete remission of the symptoms. Acute intermittent porphyria is a rare condition characterized by neurovisceral symptoms, abdominal pain being the most common of them. The disease has a higher prevalence among young women and certain European countries such as Sweden, Great Britain, and Spain. A correct diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential because patients affected by AIP must have a strict followup due to the fatal outcome of the outbreaks.

• Authors: A González Estrada, S García-Morillo, L Gómez Morales, P Stiefel García-Junco
• Journal: International journal of hepatology (Int J Hepatol) Vol. 2011 Pg. 392049 ( 2011) ISSN: 2090-3456 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22007312 (Publication Type: Case Reports)