Haematin therapy and leucocyte delta-aminolevulinic-acid-synthase activity in prolonged attack of acute porphyria.

The activity of leucocyte delta-aminolaevulinic-acid (A.L.A.) synthase was monitored throughout a prolonged attack of acute intermittent porphyria in a 29-year-old women. Clinical severity was associated with a pronounced increase in activity of this enzyme and high urinary excretion of A.L.A. Haematin therapy resulted in clinical improvement associated with a reduction in the activity of A.L.A. synthase and reduction in urinary excretion of A.L.A.