Development of porphyria cutanea tarda in a hemodialysis patient after reactivation of hepatitis C virus infection

Cases of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are occasionally reported in hemodialysis patients. Recently, hepatitis C virus has been recognized as a precipitating factor of PCT. The activity of the liver disease may be critical for the appearance of PCT. In this regard, liver disease reactivation after treatment with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) is a well-known phenomenon. We report the case of a hemodialysis patient who developed PCT coincidentally with reactivation of liver disease, im mediately after treatment with IFN-alpha. Therefore, in the present case, reactivation of hepatitis after IFN-alpha withdrawal could be the triggering factor. The occurrence of a bout of PCT should be considered as a possible complication at the end of IFN-alpha therapy, if reactivation of the disease exists. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.