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Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and X-Linked Protoporphyria

By

Herbert L. Bonkovsky

, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine;


Sean R. Rudnick

, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Feb 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

Erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria are conditions related to abnormalities of enzymes involved in the production of heme and characterized by sensitivity to sunlight.

  • The heme precursor protoporphyrin accumulates in the bone marrow, red blood cells, and other tissues, including skin.

  • People have severe skin pain and swelling soon after exposure to sunlight.

  • Doctors test blood to look for elevated levels of protoporphyrin.

  • People should avoid exposure to sunlight.

  • Afamelanotide, a medication that stimulates the production of more melanin, can decrease sensitivity to sunlight and improve quality of life.

Porphyrias are a group of disorders caused by abnormalities of enzymes involved in the production of heme. Heme is a chemical compound that contains iron and gives blood its red color. Heme is a key component of several important proteins in the body. (See also Overview of Porphyria Overview of Porphyrias Porphyrias are a group of disorders caused by deficiencies of enzymes involved in the production of heme. Heme is a chemical compound that contains iron and gives blood its red color. Heme is... read more .)

Accumulation of protoporphyrin in the skin results in extreme sensitivity to sunlight and severe pain soon after exposure. The sunlight activates the protoporphyrin molecules, which damage the surrounding tissue.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is uncommon. It usually appears in childhood.

In most people with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a deficiency of the enzyme ferrochelatase leads to accumulation of the heme precursor protoporphyrin Overview of Porphyrias Porphyrias are a group of disorders caused by deficiencies of enzymes involved in the production of heme. Heme is a chemical compound that contains iron and gives blood its red color. Heme is... read more in the bone marrow, red blood cells, blood plasma (the liquid component of blood), skin, and eventually the liver.

The enzyme deficiency is inherited from both parents.

X-linked protoporphyria

About 10% of people who have the symptoms of erythropoietic protoporphyria actually have increased activity of a different enzyme. The increased activity leads to accumulation of the same heme precursor. However, the abnormal gene for this form of erythropoietic protoporphyria is carried on the X-chromosome Inheritance of Single-Gene Disorders Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that contain the code for a specific protein that functions in one or more types of cells in the body or code for functional RNA molecules.... read more , and thus the disorder is called X-linked protoporphyria.

Because X-linked protoporphyria is so similar to erythropoietic protoporphyria, it is sometimes regarded as a variant of erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start in childhood. Severe skin pain and swelling develop soon after even brief exposure to sunlight. Crusting may develop around the lips and on the back of the hands after prolonged sun exposure. Because blistering and scarring do not occur, doctors usually do not recognize the disorder.

Skin Symptoms in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

If skin protection is chronically neglected, rough, thickened, and leathery skin (lichenification) may develop, especially over the knuckles. Deep grooves may develop around the mouth (carp mouth).

People with X-linked protoporphyria tend to have higher levels of protoporphyrin in their red blood cells, plasma, and other tissues and, therefore, more severe reactions to sunlight and more severe liver disease than those with erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Children in whom erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria is unrecognized may develop psychosocial problems because they inexplicably refuse to go outdoors. They have often been misdiagnosed for years as having "allergy" to sunlight. The fear or anticipation of pain may be so distressing that children become nervous, tense, aggressive, or develop feelings of detachment from the surroundings or even suicidal thoughts.

Did You Know...

  • Young children often cannot describe their symptoms, so doctors and parents may have difficulty connecting their discomfort to sun exposure.

Diagnosis

  • Blood tests

The diagnosis is made when increased levels of protoporphyrin are detected in red blood cells and blood plasma (the liquid portion of blood).

The diagnosis cannot be made with testing of the urine because excess protoporphyrin is not excreted into the urine.

Genetic testing may be done. Family members may also be tested to determine whether they also have the gene mutation.

Treatment

  • Relief of symptoms of attacks

  • Treat gallstones and liver problems

Acute skin symptoms may be alleviated by cold baths or wet towels, analgesics, and topical and/or oral corticosteroids. Symptoms can take up to a week to resolve. If these measures are ineffective, doctors sometimes give heme and/or blood transfusions. Several other medications such as afamelanotide, bile acids, cholestyramine resin, and charcoal are also effective.

People who develop gallstones that contain protoporphyrin and develop symptoms of cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder wall) may need to have the gallbladder surgically removed.

Porphyrin accumulation in red blood cells and the condition of the liver should be monitored yearly by testing blood, urine, and stool samples. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B may help prevent liver damage. Liver damage, if severe, may necessitate liver transplantation Liver Transplantation Liver transplantation is the surgical removal of a healthy liver or sometimes a part of a liver from a living person and then its transfer into a person whose liver no longer functions. (See... read more .

Because sunlight provides needed vitamin D and people with erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria avoid sunlight, they may need to take vitamin D supplements to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Prevention of Attacks

Extreme care should be taken to avoid exposure to sunlight. People should use protective clothing, hats, and light-opaque sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Accidental sun exposure is given the same treatment as is sunburn Sunburn Sunburn results from a brief (acute) overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Overexposure to ultraviolet light causes sunburn. Sunburn causes painful reddened skin and sometimes blisters, fever... read more Sunburn .

The medication afamelanotide helps people better tolerate sunlight. However, sunlight should still be avoided.

Medications that trigger acute porphyrias do not cause erythropoietic protoporphyria and need not be avoided.

More Information

The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.

  • American Porphyria Foundation: Aims to educate and support patients and families affected by porphyrias

  • The United Porphyrias Association: Provides education and support to patients and their families; provides reliable information to health-care providers; fosters and supports clinical research to improve diagnosis and management of the porphyrias

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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