Erythrocyte δ-Aminolaevulinic Acid Dehydratase, Urinary Porphyrins and Porphyrin Precursors in Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Abstract

In 20 Fe deficient patients and 21 normal controls, the activity of the enzyme .delta.-ALA [aminolevulinic acid ] dehydratase of erythrocytes was assayed. In addition the urine porphyrins and porphyrin precursor excretions were measured. In sideropenic patients, the erythrocyte .delta.-ALA dehydratase activity was almost constantly higher than in normals; the difference of the mean values being statistically significant (P < 0.005). A significant diminution of .delta.-ALA (P < 0.0025) urine excretion was observed but the urine excretion PBG [monopyrrole porphobilinogen], CP (coproporphyrin] and UP [uroporphyrin] was within the normal limits. The results are compared to those reported by other authors.