Total Plasma Porphyrins in Renal Disease

Abstract
Patients (30) suffering from chronic kidney disease were examined for urinary, fecal and total plasma porphyrins. Twenty had N retention whereas the remaining 10 displayed normal values. Urinary coproporphyrin excretion and total plasma porphyrin levels were comparatively less pronounced in patients with N retention. Such changes in porphyrin metabolism could be explained by a diminished capacity for kidney excretion. The total amount of porphyrins synthesized in the body is decreased as a result of N retention.