A 29-Year-Old Female With Hereditary Coproporphyria and New-Onset Seizures

Abstract

Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) by itself can pose significant diagnostic and management difficulties. Together with seizures and renal failure, management can be even more challenging. This poses a dilemma with treatment and requires a unique approach. Our patient is a 29-year-old Caucasian female with HCP who presented with new-onset seizures, diffuse abdominal pain and significant anion gap metabolic acidosis. She had a 7-year history of admissions for severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with HCP 3 years ago. HCP is a rare disorder that can be complicated by seizures. Many anti-seizure medications can exacerbate acute porphyria attacks. To further complicate management, the anti-seizure drugs of choice in porphyrias are renally excreted and must be adjusted for renal function. Liver transplantation may be a last resort in patients with HCP and seizures.




J Hematol. 2016;5(2):67-69
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jh258w