eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Metabolic Diseases

Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria

Jeanette L Hebel, MD, Department of Dermatology, Lancaster General Hospital
Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD, Professor Emerita of Dermatology and Special Lecturer, Columbia University; Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Tennessee

Updated: Jan 12, 2009

Introduction

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:

Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Pseudoporphyria
Variegate Porphyria

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.

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.

Clinical

History

The typical complaint is blistering and fragility of light-exposed skin in an individual with discolored urine. The presentation of erythropoietic porphyria at birth in a patient with a history of a difficult perinatal course and concomitant jaundice usually indicates severe disease. Patients may have a history of hemolytic anemia before the complete diagnosis was recognized. Very early prenatal expression with nonimmune hydrops fetalis has been reported.

Physical

Findings at physical examination may include the following:

Skin
- Photosensitivity, with formation of vesicles and bullae, occurs early in the course of the disease.
- Increased fragility and erosions can contribute to mutilation, especially on the face (eg, nose, mouth, ears) and hands.
- Hypertrichosis of the face and extremities is common.
Oral
- The teeth have a reddish color.
- The teeth fluoresce under a Wood light due to porphyrin deposition in dentine and enamel.
Urine
- Pink staining of the diapers in the neonatal period is common.
- This staining is due to the porphyrin pigment in the urine.
Ocular¹
- Ocular manifestations of erythropoietic porphyria include blepharitis, cicatricial ectropion, and conjunctivitis. Lagophthalmos is a major cause of light-induced ocular surface aggravation.
- Scleral findings include interpalpebral fissures and pink fluorescence of the perilimbal sclera under a Wood light.
- Subsequent bilateral corneal scarring may occur, with eventual blindness. The risk for malignant conjunctival degeneration is low.
Skeletal
- Porphyrins are also deposited in the bone, where they cause an orange-red fluorescence.
- The severe loss of bone with subsequent contractures and deformities occurs in most adults with erythropoietic porphyria.
- X-ray studies show osteopenia and acro-osteolysis.

Causes

Erythropoietic porphyria is caused by autosomal recessive inheritance of genes that encode abnormal uroporphyrinogen III synthase enzyme protein. The resultant deficient activity of this enzyme leads to hemolytic anemia, cutaneous photosensitivity, and their complications. The mutation that causes the most severe deficiency of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen III synthase is C73R.²

The GATA gene family, a group of transcription factors, has a crucial role in normal human hematopoiesis. A mutation in GATA1, an X-linked transcription factor, has been reported in association with erythropoietic porphyria.³

Differential Diagnoses

Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Pseudoporphyria
Variegate Porphyria
Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Workup

Laboratory Studies

Porphyrin analyses
- Urinary porphyrin concentrations are increased 100-1000 times and involve predominantly uroporphyrin I.
- Urinary excretion of uroporphyrin III and coproporphyrin III is also elevated; however, the level is less than that of the isomer I porphyrins.
- Urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen levels are not increased in erythropoietic porphyria.
- Erythrocytes most often contain increased levels of uroporphyrin I; also, elevated zinc protoporphyrin is observed in some patients.
- The combination of elevated urinary and erythrocyte isomer I porphyrin levels is specific for erythropoietic porphyria.
- Coproporphyrin preferentially accumulates as fecal porphyrin after the decarboxylation of uroporphyrin.
Complete blood cell count
- Excessive uroporphyrins in red blood cells appear to cause fragility; therefore, a hemolytic anemia is common.
- Consequent splenomegaly and hepatomegaly are observed.
A test to measure uroporphyrinogen III synthase activity is commercially available.
Mutation analysis of the uroporphyrinogen III synthase gene (ie, DNA testing) is performed at porphyria research units in several countries and has become commercially available in the United States. See the American Porphyria Foundation for further information.

Other Tests

Fluorescence microscopy of peripheral blood or bone marrow specimens
Red porphyrin fluorescence in intact erythrocytes and erythroid precursor cells can be observed in smears of bone marrow specimens illuminated by violet or blue light against a dark-field background.
The brilliant fluorescence of nuclei in erythrocyte precursor cells is specific for erythropoietic porphyria.

Histologic Findings

Similar dermatopathologic changes can be found in all types of porphyria with photocutaneous manifestations. The characteristic feature is a subepidermal blister with a slight superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Blood vessels in the superficial vascular plexus have markedly thickened, hyalinized walls that contain periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)–positive, diastase-resistant glycoproteins. Papillary dermal tips often festoon into the blister cavity due to the increased rigidity of the hyalinized vessel walls.

Caterpillar bodies, which are eosinophilic linear structures in the roofs of bullae composed of basement membrane material, are described in blisters of patients with several forms of porphyria. Direct immunofluorescence tests reveal linear C3 and immunoglobulin G staining around the superficial vessels and along the dermoepidermal junction.⁴

Treatment

Medical Care

Absolute avoidance of sun exposure is crucial. The effects of topical sunscreens are less than satisfactory, but sunscreens may provide some protection if they contain physical light–reflective agents such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Long ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths must be blocked by additional physical means to achieve the protection that most porphyria patients require. Sun-protective clothing should be worn. Commercially available plastic films can be affixed to home and automobile windows to filter out many of the offending wavelengths. Fluorescent lamps can be replaced by incandescent bulbs, which emit less light of porphyrin-exciting wavelengths.
Oral beta-carotene has been used with limited benefit.⁵ Other oral measures that have been used include activated charcoal and cholestyramine to interrupt and prevent reabsorption of porphyrins. The large doses required of all of the oral agents often make their use somewhat impractical.
Attempts to reduce erythropoiesis and lower circulating porphyrin levels by means of erythrocyte transfusions have been successful in reducing the expression of the disease. However, the complications of a chronic transfusion regimen are potentially severe. Severe hemolytic anemia with subsequent splenomegaly is one of the most pronounced consequences of erythropoietic porphyria. Splenectomy decreases the hemolytic anemia by increasing the lifespan of erythrocytes; however, the benefits are short lived.
The use of oral alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid to quench reactive oxygen radicals has been advocated to reduce porphyrin-sensitized photodamage to skin elements and circulating erythrocytes.
Topical lubrication of the eyes improves the dry eye symptoms and may stabilize visual function.

Surgical Care

Bone marrow transplantation is reported to be successful; however, the long-term results are unknown. Life-threatening infectious complications limit the applicability of this therapeutic approach.^6,7,8

Stem cell cord blood transplantation has also been reported successful in a few patients.⁹

Consultations

A dermatologist may be consulted regarding sun avoidance measures and the treatment of secondary skin infections.
An ophthalmologist can monitor ocular complications.
A hematologist may be consulted to manage chronic transfusion therapy and to consider bone marrow transplantation.
A surgeon may be consulted for splenectomy when hemolytic anemia is severe.
An oral surgeon may be consulted for the application of dental resins to cover reddened teeth for cosmetic purposes.

Activity

Absolute avoidance of sun exposure must be practiced.
Sun-protective clothing, hats, and physical sunscreens should be used during daily activities.
Avoidance of mechanical trauma is advised to lessen erosions and resultant scarring.

Medication

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.

Oral photoprotectants

Oral photoprotectants may prevent tissue damage due to light exposure, possibly by forming an internal light screen.

Beta-carotene (Lumitene)

Exact mechanism of action not completely elucidated. Patient must be carotenemic before effects are observed. More than 1 internal light screen may be responsible for effects. May provide a limited level of photoprotection. Causes yellowing of skin (eg, carotenoderma). Photoprotection increases slowly over 4-6 weeks after treatment begins. When discontinued, skin color and benefits diminish over several weeks.

Dosing

Adult

120-300 mg/d PO in divided doses

Pediatric

30-120 mg/d PO in divided doses

Interactions

Coadministration with vitamin A may have additive toxic effects

Contraindications

Documented hypersensitivity

Precautions

Pregnancy

C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus

Precautions

Caution in renal or hepatic impairment; may increase risk for lung cancer in heavy smokers; may cause orange stools and diarrhea or loose stools at onset of therapy (These tend to resolve with continued use.)

Follow-up

Complications

Skeletal fracture, both spontaneous and traumatic, may result from osseous fragility due to marrow hypertrophy.

Prognosis

With strict adherence to sun avoidance, scarring and mutilation can be minimized.
Normal life spans are possible in many cases.
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.

References

Hillenkamp J, Reinhard T, Fritsch C, Kersten A, Böcking A, Sundmacher R. Ocular involvement in congenital erytropoietic porphyria (Günther's disease): cytopathological evaluation of conjunctival and corneal changes. Br J Ophthalmol. Mar 2001;85(3):371. [Medline].
Berry AA, Desnick RJ, Astrin KH, Shabbeer J, Lucky AW, Lim HW. Two brothers with mild congenital erythropoietic porphyria due to a novel genotype. Arch Dermatol. Dec 2005;141(12):1575-9. [Medline].
Phillips JD, Steensma DP, Pulsipher MA, Spangrude GJ, Kushner JP. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria due to a mutation in GATA1: the first trans-acting mutation causative for a human porphyria. Blood. Mar 15 2007;109(6):2618-21. [Medline].
Egbert BM, LeBoit PE, McCalmont T, Hu CH, Austin C. Caterpillar bodies: distinctive, basement membrane-containing structures in blisters of porphyria. Am J Dermatopathol. Jun 1993;15(3):199-202. [Medline].
Mathews-Roth MM. Treatment of the cutaneous porphyrias. Clin Dermatol. Mar-Apr 1998;16(2):295-8. [Medline].
Desnick RJ, Astrin KH. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria: advances in pathogenesis and treatment. Br J Haematol. Jun 2002;117(4):779-95. [Medline].
Kauffman L, Evans DI, Stevens RF, Weinkove C. Bone-marrow transplantation for congenital erythropoietic porphyria. Lancet. Jun 22 1991;337(8756):1510-1. [Medline].
Tezcan I, Xu W, Gurgey A, Tuncer M, Cetin M, Oner C, et al. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria successfully treated by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Blood. Dec 1 1998;92(11):4053-8. [Medline].
Harada FA, Shwayder TA, Desnick RJ, Lim HW. Treatment of severe congenital erythropoietic porphyria by bone marrow transplantation. J Am Acad Dermatol. Aug 2001;45(2):279-82. [Medline].
Fritsch C, Bolsen K, Ruzicka T, Goerz G. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria. J Am Acad Dermatol. Apr 1997;36(4):594-610. [Medline].
Jensen JD, Resnick SD. Porphyria in childhood. Semin Dermatol. Mar 1995;14(1):33-9. [Medline].
Lazebnik N, Lazebnik RS. The prenatal presentation of congenital erythropoietic porphyria: report of two siblings with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein. Prenat Diagn. Apr 2004;24(4):282-6. [Medline].
Lim HW, Murphy GM. The porphyrias. Clin Dermatol. Jul-Aug 1996;14(4):375-87. [Medline].
Mascaro JM. The porphyrias: a brief overview based on 25 years of experience (1969-1994) by the Department of Dermatology of the Hospital Clinic and Faculty of Medicine of Barcelona, Spain. J Dermatol. Nov 1995;22(11):823-8. [Medline].
Poh-Fitzpatrick MB. Clinical features of the porphyrias. Clin Dermatol. Mar-Apr 1998;16(2):251-64. [Medline].
Poh-Fitzpatrick MB. The porphyrias. In: Arndt KA, Robinson JK, Leboit PE, Wintroub BU, eds. Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: An Integrated Program in Dermatology. Vol 2. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1996:1753-62.
Zaider E, Bickers DR. Clinical laboratory methods for diagnosis of the porphyrias. Clin Dermatol. Mar-Apr 1998;16(2):277-93. [Medline].

Keywords

erythropoietic porphyria, Gunther's disease, Gunther disease, congenital erythropoietic porphyria, congenital porphyria, porphyria erythropoietica, congenital hematoporphyria, erythropoietic uroporphyria, porphyrin synthesis, heme synthesis, EP, uroporphyrinogen III synthase

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; Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Tennessee
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: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Pharmacy Editor

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
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.

Managing Editor

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.

CME Editor

Catherine Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Brown University
Catherine 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, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Further Reading