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Case report, 1999

Can LHRH analogue prevent premenstrual attacks of acute intermittent porphyria?

Yes. In this one woman, an LHRH analogue combined with low-dose oestrogen patch stopped her premenstrual attacks and she has not needed hospitalization for over 3 years.

Early or limited evidence One 38-year-old woman with acute intermittent porphyria

What they did

Case report of a 38-year-old woman with acute intermittent porphyria. She had suffered several premenstrual attacks with severe symptoms like abdominal pain and paralysis. Different treatments were tried over time. Eventually she was treated with an LHRH analogue combined with low-dose oestrogen patch.

What they found

The premenstrual attacks stopped after she started the LHRH analogue and oestrogen patch. She has not needed hospitalization for over 3 years since starting this treatment.

What it means for you

Stopping hormone changes with an LHRH analogue may prevent this condition from worsening before the period. This is one woman's experience, so we do not know if it works for other people.

38

age in years

29

age when first porphyria attack occurred

over 3 years

time without hospitalization

About the study

Original title
Premenstrual attacks of acute intermittent porphyria: hormonal and metabolic aspects - a case report
Authors
De Block CE, Leeuw IH, Gaal LF
Journal
European journal of endocrinology
Year
1999
Study design
Case report
What was tested
LHRH analogue combined with low-dose oestrogen patch

Topics