Medical Moment in Acute Porphyrias

Jun 25, 2021
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MEDICAL MOMENT

Below are the most prevalent symptoms of acute porphyrias (AIP, VP, HCP, ADP):

- abdominal pain and vomiting
- constipation
- pain in the back, arms and legs
- muscle weakness (due to effects on nerves supplying the muscles)
- urinary retention
- palpitations (due to a rapid heart rate and often accompanied by increased blood pressure)
- confusion, hallucinations and seizures
- insomnia

Sometimes the level of salt (sodium and chloride) in the blood decreases markedly and contributes to some of these symptoms.

See the APF website: www.porphyriafoundation.org