An Epidemic of Porphyria Cutanea Tarda?

The document discussed an apparent increase in cases of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) observed at the Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis in 1998. Four cases were detailed, all involving men with a history of polysubstance abuse, including alcohol, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The patients presented with symptoms such as blistering and erosions on the hands, hypertrichosis, and elevated liver enzymes. Diagnoses of PCT were confirmed through elevated porphyrin levels in urine tests. The study suggested a potential link between HCV infection, alcohol use, and the development of PCT, with therapeutic phlebotomies initiated as a treatment.