Oral contraceptives in prophylaxis of acute exacerbations of intermittent porphyria
Schley, G.; Anlauf, M.; Bock, K.D.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift 101(52): 1901-1907
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-0472 PMID: 1001215 DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104352Document Number: 430376
14 women, aged 30-51 years, were studied concerning the course of acute intermittent porphyria. 7 were treated 2-7 years with ovulation inhibtors and had no further acute exacerbations. In 2 other cases a bilateral surgical oophorectomy and a radiotherapeutic castration were performed, and these 2 patients died following multiple acute exacerbations. Of 5 untreated women in a control group, 2 continued to suffer from acute intermittent exacerbations. 4 of the 5 women treated with oral contraceptives developed severe and persistent arterial hypertension in contrast to the 5 untreated women whose blood pressure remained normal. Thus the benefits and dangers should be carefully weighed before using oral contraceptives as a prophylaxis for acute intermittent porphyria. Studies of similar cases are urgently needed to verify the findings of this research.