[Pseudo-late onset cutaneous parphyria in haemodialysis patients. Clinical and histological features. 9 cases (author's transl)].

In the context of a study of cutaneous problems seen in chronic renal failure patients on intermittent haemodialysis, the authors noted bullous eruptions very similar to late onset cutaneous porphyria. The bullae occur during the summer and are situated on exposed areas, in particular the head and neck. There is skin fragility and the bullae are transient, giving place to erosions and later to atrophic scarring. Even pseudo-miliary cysts have been observed. Histology reveals a sub-epidermal bulla, the basis of which consists of spiky papillary dermis. Immunofluorescence show immunoglobulin deposits in the vessels and basal membrane. All porphyrin measurements are negative. This disorder may be due to the presence of a non-porphyrinogenic photo-sensitising substance, found in certain types of plastic tubing.