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

can an abnormal liver test result be a sign of porphyria?

Accepted Answer

More common causes: Porphyria can cause abnormal liver tests, but there are far more common causes of liver abnormality, e.g., alcohol. See this site for more info.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0002188/.

Question 9

what is the prognosis of porphyria?

Accepted Answer

Very challenging: Porphyrias are life-long diseases with symptoms that come and go. Some forms of the disease cause more symptoms than others. Proper treatment and avoidance of triggers can help prolong the time between attacks. But attacks are quite painful and can be fatal. Life is a real struggle for someone with porphyria but it is possible to even do great things - some historical figures have suffered it.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of porphyria?

Accepted Answer

See below: Porphyrias involve three major symptoms:
•abdominal pain or cramping (only in some forms of the disease)

•light sensitivity causing rashes, blistering, and scarring of the skin (photodermatitis)

•problems with the nervous system and muscles (seizures, mental disturbances, nerve damage).

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