Provocation of porphyria cutanea tarda by KUVA-therapy of vitiligo
Jansen, T.; Megahed, M.; Hölzle, E.; Plewig, G.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 75(3): 232-233
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5555 PMID: 7653185 Document Number: 446653
Therapy with khellin and UVA irradiation (KUVA) is a therapeutic approach to vitiligo. Little is known about the photobiological properties of khellin and its long-term side-effects after prolonged administration. A 47-year-old woman suffering from acral vitiligo since the age of 3 is reported, who developed blisters on hands and fingers during KUVA-therapy. Laboratory findings were consistent with hereditary porphyria cutanea tarda. Electron microscopic examination of a blister revealed clefting below the basement membrane. It is proposed that khellin in some way provoked the porphyria cutanea tarda in this patient.