The effect of oral activated charcoal on the course of congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Abstract

The administration of oral activated charcoal to two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria has previously been reported to result in a marked reduction in plasma and urinary porphyrin concentrations and in one case, clinical remission. We describe an additional case in which the use of charcoal was associated with an apparent exacerbation of the biochemical activity of the disease following an initial period of remission. This result is unexpected, and currently unexplained. We conclude that charcoal therapy in porphyria may not be without risk, and should be used with caution.

• Authors: R J Hift, P N Meissner, R E Kirsch
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 129 Issue 1 Pg. 14-7 (Jul 1993) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 8369205 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Porphyrins
• Charcoal

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adolescent
• Charcoal (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Porphyria, Erythropoietic (blood, therapy, urine)
• Porphyrins (blood, urine)
• Time Factors