Abstract In China, 78 cases of cutaneous porphyrias, together with 67 cases reported by other clinicians from 1979 to 1990, were reviewed. Of a total of 145 cases, 75.2% were EPP (109 cases), but only 28 cases (19.3%) were PCT. This prevalence differs from that in other parts of the world. The article discussed this disparity and some notable points. Early diagnosis of EPP using the fluorescence microscopic test for determination of RBC protoporphyrin is important. The complication of hepatobiliary aspects in PCT and EPP was noticed. Liver disease seems to be an important precipitating factor in China.
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