Treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria with hydroxyethylrutosides.

BACKGROUND

Assuming that flavonoids have anti-oxidative properties and may protect against abnormal skin reactions in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), we investigated whether systemic treatment with hydroxyethylrutosides (2.7 g/day) could decrease skin sensitivity to blue light in a 37-year-old female patient who suffered from EPP.

DESIGN AND

RESULTS

Before treatment, skin exposure during 5 min to a xenon high-pressure gas discharge lamp with filter was sufficient to produce intense erythema, irritation and later swelling. After 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment, the exposure times, necessary to produce similar effects, gradually increased. This improvement coincided with an increased tolerability to sunlight. No adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

These results encourage the set-up of a more systematic, placebo-controlled study of the protective effects of hydroxyethylrutosides in EPP.