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Original Post:
by: magiwoman on Feb 01, 2011

Being a blood vampire is not a laughing matter. It is not a fantasy. It is a very serious and rare medical condition called Porphyria.

Porphyrias are a group of extremely rare disorders passed down genetically. Whereby an important part of hemoglobin, called heme, is not made properly. Heme is also found in myoglobin, a protein found in certain muscles.

Porphyrias are life-long problem with symptoms that come and go. Some forms cause more symptoms than others. Proper treatment and avoidance of triggers can help reduce the time between attacks

Porphyrins are made during several steps of the Heme making process. Patients with poryphyria have a lack of certain enzymes needed for this process. This causes abnormal amounts of porphyrins to build up in the body. There are many different forms of porphyria. The most common type is porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). Drugs, infection, alcohol, and hormones such as estrogen may trigger attacks of certain types of porphyria.

SYMPTOMS: Abdominal pain or cramping, numbness or tingling, photodermatitis or light sensitivity causing rashes and scarring of the skin, personality change and problems with the nervous system which can lead seizures, paralysis, mental disturbances and in severe cases coma. Attacks can occur suddenly, usually with severe stomach pain followed by vomiting and constipation. Being out in the sun can cause pain, sensations of heat, blistering, and skin redness and swelling. Blisters heal slowly, often with scarring or skin color changes. They may be disfiguring. Urine may turn red or brown after an attack. These
attacks can sometimes be life threatening, producing severe electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressure, and shock.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS: Blood and urine tests may reveal kidney problems or other problems. Special tests can measure porphyrins in the blood. Some of the other tests that may be needed are - Blood gas test, BUN or the blood urea nitrogen test, Creatinine in blood and urine,LFT or Liver function tests, Serum potassium Tests to measure the level of porphyrins, Urinalysis and a CBC or Complete Blood Count.

Some of the medicines used to treat a sudden (acute) attack of porphyria may include: Hematin given intravenously, Propranolol to control the heartbeat, Chloroquine, Fluids and glucose to boost carbohydrate levels, which helps limit the production of porphyrins, phlebotomy, Beta-carotene supplements, go on a hi-carb diet.

THINGS TO AVOID: All alcohol, drugs that may trigger an attack, avoid injuring the skin, avoid sunlight as much as possible and use sunblock when outside

PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THIS NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY