Porphyria cutanea tarda classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common subtype of porphyria. The disorder results from low levels of the enzyme responsible for the fifth step in heme production. Heme is a vital molecule for all of the body’s organs. It is a component of hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood.

• In the acquired form, the signs and symptoms of this condition are triggered by non genetic factors such as alcohol abuse, excess iron, certain hormones, and viral infections. However, in the inherited form of the disease, which affects up to 20% of PCT patients, the condition arises from a mutation in the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase gene, although environmental and chemical factors may trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
• Drug side effect: Chlorpropamide, Tolbutamide, Tolazamide

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