between abnormal porphyrin metabolism and aluminium

Background. Bullous dermatosis (BD) is becoming increasingly recognized in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is clinically reminiscent of por-phyria cutanea tarda, but its detailed pathogenesis remains unclear. Studies have shown increased porphy-rin levels in dialysis patients, and this may partly explain the skin lesions and photosensitivity evident in these patients. In experimental studies, aluminium can induce various abnormalities in porphyrin and haem metabolism. This study investigated a possible involve-ment of porphyrin metabolism and aluminium in the development of bullous dermatosis in chronically dia-lysed patients. Methods. Three groups were studied (12 healthy con