[Clinical findings in porphyria cutanea tarda]

Abstract

Disturbances in the iron metabolism can quite frequently be observed in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. Studies on 10 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda indicate that elevated iron levels are correlated with decreased latent and normal total iron binding capacity in the serum. Morphological examinations of the liver showed alterations as can be found in fatty liver up to cirrhosis, which -- in most instances -- were associated with iron deposits in the hepatocytes.