What are treatments for Porphyria Cutanea Tarda?
What is Porphyria Cutanea Tarda? PCT is a deficiency of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. Cutaneous blisters develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the hands and face. The skin in these areas may blister or peel after minor trauma. Increased hair growth, as well as darkening and thickening, of the skin may also occur. Neurological and abdominal symptoms are not characteristic of PCT. Liver function abnormalities are common, but are usually mild. PCT is often associated with hepatitis C infection, which also can cause these liver complications. However, liver tests are generally abnormal even in PCT patients without hepatitis C infection. Progression to cirrhosis and even liver cancer occurs in some patients. Who gets Porphyria Cutanea Tarda? Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of porphyria, with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 10,000. PCT develops when the activity of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (URO-decarboxylase) becomes severely
