Question 1

what is porphyria cutanea tarda?

Accepted Answer

Blistering disease: It is a disease that causes blistering seen more often in alcoholics because of enzyme defect causing increased porphyrins in blood. See dermatologist for full details and treatment.

Question 2

porphyria cutanea tarda symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Skin changes: A physician familiar with pct can make the call just on physical exam. The labs are confirmatory. A check for iron overload and hepatitis c are wise, but you'll manage the illness by becoming educated and doing a few simple things. Best wishes.

Question 3

hows porphyria cutanea tarda diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

See below: The preferred screening test for pct is a measurement of porphyrins in plasma. This can differentiate pct from variegate porphyria. The patterns of porphyrins in urine (predominately uroporphyrin and 7-carboxylate porphyrin) and feces (predominately isocoproporphyrin) help to confirm the diagnosis. The presence of an inherited deficiency of urod can be demonstrated by measuring the enzyme in rbcs.

Question 4

how is porphyria cutanea tarda  treated?

Accepted Answer

See below: Pct is the most treatable of the porphyrias. Treatment seems to be equally effective in familial and non-familial pct. Factors that tend to activate the disease should be removed. The most widely recommended treatment is a schedule of repeated phlebotomies (removal of blood), with the aim of reducing iron in the liver. This actually reduces iron stores throughout the body.

Question 5

can you die from porphyria cutanea tarda?

Accepted Answer

No: Not usually, however related disorder such as alcoholism can cause death.

Question 6

is it possible for you to die from porphyria cutanea tarda?

Accepted Answer

No, but...: There is often underlying hemochromatosis, alcohol abuse or hepatitis c and these are often deadly if missed. Depending on the gene that gave you the pct, you may have none of these above. It won't kill you, but it can mutilate your skin. Get with someone good at managing this illness.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: porphyria cutanea tarda?

Accepted Answer

Poor blood formation: Porphyria cutanea tarda (pct) describes a state where heme formation is poor. Common symptoms for a person exposed to sunlight are peeling fingernails and skin blisters. Exacerbating factors are iron, alcohol, and estrogen. Pct has a strong association with hepatitis c infection.

Question 8

what medication can one use for gout, if you have porphyria? as you can't use any anti inflamatory meds with porphyria... please help

Accepted Answer

Gout : You can us a medication for acute gout called colcrys(colchicine). There are medications to help prevent gout attacks called allopurinol.

Question 9

does porphyria show on blood tests? please, need some answers?

Accepted Answer

Treacherous: Your physician needs to think of porphyria, then order special labs depending on the type. Further, these tests are often done wrong; the sample must be collected exactly right and the problems just start there. Further, the person much actually be sick for the tests to turn up positive.

Question 10

how is acute porphyria usually treated?

Accepted Answer

Supportive care: Glucose and hematin derivatives can be used to manage the acute attacks. The key to treatment is patient education -- it's a lifetime of learning to avoid the triggers and becoming more familiar with the illness than a physician specialist.

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What medication can one use for gout, if you have porphyria? as you can't use any anti inflamatory meds with porphyria... please help

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Does porphyria show on blood tests? please, need some answers?

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How is acute porphyria usually treated?

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