Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria 

  • Author: Jeanette L Hebel, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 22, 2011
 

Background

Erythropoietic porphyria (EP) is a rare inborn error of porphyrin-heme synthesis inherited that is as an autosomal recessive trait. The inheritance of 2 mutant alleles for the gene encoding the enzyme uroporphyrinogen III synthase leads to accumulation of porphyrins of the isomer I type that are biologically useless but cause cutaneous photosensitivity characterized by blisters, erosions, and scarring of light-exposed skin.

Clinical manifestations can range from mild to severe. Chronic damage of skin, cartilage, and bones can cause mutilation. Hypertrichosis, erythrodontia, and reddish-colored urine are often present. Hemolytic anemia can be mild or severe, with resultant splenomegaly and osseous fragility.

The following is a selection of other eMedicine porphyria-related articles:

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Pathophysiology

Erythropoietic porphyria is primarily a disorder of bone marrow heme synthesis. Deficient activity of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen III synthase in erythrocyte precursor cells causes a shift of the pathway away from the isomer III porphyrinogen production that can effect the end-product heme; isomer I porphyrinogens that cannot be used to form heme may be overproduced. The accumulated isomer I porphyrinogens are spontaneously oxidized to their corresponding porphyrins, which are water-soluble photosensitizers with a reddish hue.

These porphyrins are released from the maturing erythrocytes into the plasma and are excreted by renal mechanisms; urine with a port-wine color is produced. The interaction of excess porphyrins in the skin and light radiation causes photoxidative damage of biomolecular targets that is manifested as mechanical fragility and blistering that may result in severe scarring.

The hemolytic anemia of erythropoietic porphyria can cause hypersplenism in more serious cases. Hypertrophy of the bone marrow in such cases can lead to osseous fragility and pathologic fractures. Acral osteolysis and onycholysis may occur; bones and teeth are stained red by the deposition of porphyrin pigment. Ocular damage can lead to blindness. The photoactive nature of porphyrin molecules results in the bright pink fluorescence of these pigments in urine, teeth, and bones under Wood light illumination.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

No registry for porphyrias exists in the United States; therefore, accurate data are lacking. Erythropoietic porphyria is rare.

International

Erythropoietic porphyria is reported in diverse populations. The total number of cases reported worldwide is less than 200.

Mortality/Morbidity

Remarkable clinical variability exists in erythropoietic porphyria. Despite the limited treatments that are currently available, the prognosis is not invariably poor. Most patients with erythropoietic porphyria survive into adulthood, with a life expectancy of 40-60 years.

Race

No racial predilection is reported for erythropoietic porphyria.

Sex

Erythropoietic porphyria occurs in both males and females with approximately equal frequencies.

Age

Erythropoietic porphyria typically occurs in infants or young children; however, several adult-onset cases are reported.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Jeanette L Hebel, MD  Department of Dermatology, Lancaster General Hospital

Jeanette L Hebel, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American College of Mohs Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD  Professor Emerita of Dermatology and Special Lecturer, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, and New York Academy of Medicine

Disclosure: Lundbeck, Inc. Honoraria Review panel membership; Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. Honoraria Consulting

Specialty Editor Board

Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD  Professor Emerita of Dermatology and Special Lecturer, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, and New York Academy of Medicine

Disclosure: Lundbeck, Inc. Honoraria Review panel membership; Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. Honoraria Consulting

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Christen M Mowad, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Christen M Mowad, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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