High-dose hydroxychloroquine treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda.

BACKGROUND

High-dose hydroxychloroquine is rarely used in the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel high-dose hydroxychloroquine regimen in patients with PCT.

METHODS

Sixty-five first episodes and 28 recurrent episodes of PCT were treated with hydroxychloroquine, 250 mg three times daily, for 3 days. In patients with a high urine porphyrin concentration a single phlebotomy of 500 ml was performed before therapy of the first episode. Modified high-dose hydroxychloroquine regimens were used in patients with markedly elevated liver transaminases with or without associated chronic liver disease.

RESULTS

Long-term follow-up data showed an overall relapse rate of 33%, significantly higher among male patients (45%) than among female patients (17%) (p less than 0.05). A transient hepatotoxic reaction occurred in the majority of patients. The reaction seemed to be especially severe among phlebotomized female patients.

CONCLUSION

Hydroxychloroquine, 250 mg three times daily, is a rapid, efficacious, and safe treatment in patients with PCT.