The Effect of Replenishment of Iron Stores After Phlebotomy Therapy in Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

In this study from 1971, researchers investigated the effect of replenishing iron stores after phlebotomy-induced remission in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. The study included 5 patients, and iron stores were replenished either orally or intravenously. Following replenishment, all patients experienced a biochemical relapse, although the skin disease remained in remission except for one woman who experienced increased facial hair growth. Subsequent phlebotomy led to biochemical remission in all patients and resolved the hypertrichosis in the woman. The study concluded that phlebotomy likely worked by reducing iron stores, and even normal levels of iron could negatively affect porphyrin metabolism in those with latent disease.