Hepatic Porphyria
Treatments
Treatment for hepatic porphyria depends on the type. However, for both cutaneous and acute porphyria, the first step of therapy involves identifying and eliminating the precipitating factors, such as alcohol, certain medication or excess iron.
Cutaneous Porphyria
For patients with cutaneous porphyria whose iron levels are high, iron depletion is recommended. This involves removing the excess iron from the body by drawing your blood, usually a pint at a time in regular intervals. This is done in the same way in which blood is drawn from donors at blood banks.
When the body replenishes the blood, it draws iron from storage sites such as the liver. Repeated over time, this process eventually eliminates the excess iron and leads to reduced porphyrin levels and improved sun tolerance.
Acute Porphyria
The best form of treatment for acute porphyria is prevention. Therefore, your family members should be tested, to identify those who are also at risk of having an acute attack.
When acute porphyria progresses despite elimination of triggering factors, hospitalization is necessary. Specific treatment involves administration of intravenous hematin, which compensates for the genetic deficiency.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.