title: The acute attack of porphyria.
abstract: The acute neurological crisis is the most significant complication of variegate and acute intermittent porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria. If it is managed correctly, the mortality rate should be negligible. An outline is given of the major symptoms and signs encountered in the acute attack, and the therapy which should be used for their relief is discussed. Mention is made of forms of treatment which may decrease the activity of the haem biosynthetic pathway and thus specifically influence the clinical problems.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006427:Hemin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011164:Porphyrias / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002241:Carbohydrates; D006427:Hemin; D005492:Folic Acid