Mohamed Kazamel1, Robert J Desnick2, John G Quigley3. 1. Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave. South, SC271, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA. mkazamel@uabmc.edu. 2. Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. 3. Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the peripheral neurological complications of the acute hepatic porphyrias, as well as the latest advances in their pathophysiology and management. RECENT FINDINGS: The diagnosis of porphyric neuropathy remains challenging as varying neuropathic patterns are encountered depending on disease stage, including a non-length-dependent distribution pattern. The major pathophysiologic mechanism is δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced neurotoxicity. The less restrictive blood-nerve barrier in the autonomic ganglia and myenteric plexus may explain the frequency of dysautonomic manifestations. Recently, a prophylactic small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy that reduces hepatic ALA Synthase-1 mRNA was approved for patients with recurrent neuro-visceral attacks. Neurologists should appreciate the varying patterns of porphyric neuropathy. As with most toxin-induced axonopathies, long-term outcomes depend on early diagnosis and treatment. While the short-term clinical and biochemical benefits of siRNA-based therapy are known, its long-term effects on motor recovery, chronic pain, and dysautonomic manifestations are yet to be determined.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the peripheral neurological complications of the acute hepatic porphyrias, as well as the latest advances in their pathophysiology and management. RECENT FINDINGS: The diagnosis of porphyric neuropathy remains challenging as varying neuropathic patterns are encountered depending on disease stage, including a non-length-dependent distribution pattern. The major pathophysiologic mechanism is δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced neurotoxicity. The less restrictive blood-nerve barrier in the autonomic ganglia and myenteric plexus may explain the frequency of dysautonomic manifestations. Recently, a prophylactic small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy that reduces hepatic ALA Synthase-1 mRNA was approved for patients with recurrent neuro-visceral attacks. Neurologists should appreciate the varying patterns of porphyric neuropathy. As with most toxin-induced axonopathies, long-term outcomes depend on early diagnosis and treatment. While the short-term clinical and biochemical benefits of siRNA-based therapy are known, its long-term effects on motor recovery, chronic pain, and dysautonomic manifestations are yet to be determined.
Entities:
Keywords:
ALA; Dysautonomia; Hemin; Neuropathy; Porphyria; Small interfering RNA
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