Transitory Renal Failure Following Rapid Administration of a Relatively Large Amount of Hematin in a Patient with Acute Intermittent Porphyria in Clinical Remission

Abstract

Transitory renal failure occurred in a patient with acute intermittent porphyria in clinical remission following i.v. administration of 1000 mg hematin. The clinical and biochemical picture suggested acute tubular necrosis, which was followed by a prompt and complete return of renal function without any late sequelae. The renal failure is thought to result from the presence of circulating free hematin, formed as a result of rapid administration of such a relatively large amount. Such a complication has not occurred in patients given hematin for acute porphyric relapse in whom much smaller amounts were infused.