High-dose hydroxychloroquine treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda.
BACKGROUND
High-dose hydroxychloroquine is rarely used in the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT).


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel high-dose hydroxychloroquine regimen in patients with PCT.


METHODS
Sixty-five first episodes and 28 recurrent episodes of PCT were treated with hydroxychloroquine, 250 mg three times daily, for 3 days. In patients with a high urine porphyrin concentration a single phlebotomy of 500 ml was performed before therapy of the first episode. Modified high-dose hydroxychloroquine regimens were used in patients with markedly elevated liver transaminases with or without associated chronic liver disease.


RESULTS
Long-term follow-up data showed an overall relapse rate of 33%, significantly higher among male patients (45%) than among female patients (17%) (p less than 0.05). A transient hepatotoxic reaction occurred in the majority of patients. The reaction seemed to be especially severe among phlebotomized female patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydroxychloroquine, 250 mg three times daily, is a rapid, efficacious, and safe treatment in patients with PCT.
Petersen
C S
CS
Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thomsen
K
K
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011164:Porphyrias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D001663:Bilirubin