ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PORPHYRIA-CUTANEA-TAR DA AND HEPATITIS

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is caused by reduced activity of hepatic uroprphyrinogen decarboxylase. However extrinsic factors such as alco hol abuse and drug intake are required for the clinical manifestation of the disease. Hepatitis C virus antibodies have been detected in a h igh percentage of patients with PCT. Hepatitis C virus is probably the main pathogenetic factor of liver damage in patients with PCT. Aim: T o study the association between hepatitis C virus and PCT in our patie nts with PCT. Material and methods: We have investigated six patients diagnosed of PCT in order to detect the presence of hepatitis C virus and other possible causes of the disease. Results: We have found that 66% of our patients had hepatitis C virus antibodies, 50% etanol abuse , of wich 2/3 presented hepatitis C virus antibodies, and one case of HIV.