Saturday, April 28, 2018

#NPAW 2018 Meet Ben Edwards A Youths Interview With EPP

#PAW2018
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Ben Edwards    Age: 10

  • How old were you when you were diagnosed?
    I was two years old.
​
  • Do you remember your first flare/reaction?
    I was at the beach building a sand castle near an umbrella, I was getting really agitated.I then started to feel horrible and then bad, I looked down at my hands they were swelling up and turning to a red & purple color-like a rash.

  • What did it feel like to you?I felt like everything I was touching was burning my skin.

  • What things help you feel better? (cool water, ice, shade, bath, clothes)
    Having a wet substance/cloth around my hands or anywhere my body hurts.I have even used wet socks before and now I use the Frog Toggs those stay cold longer.Putting it under water and blowing on it when I don’t have water near me.Also using a fan.

  • How long does it take before you start to feel better?A few days, but my first and worst reaction took a week for it to go away.

  • What kind of clothing/trends do you wear when you go outside or in bad lighting?
    I always wear long sleeves no matter the temperature outside.  I also wear pants.  If its hot outside, I try to wear shirts with wicking fabric that keeps me cool.  I use a hat with a flap on the back to cover my neck, even though I don’t enjoy wearing it.  In the snow I use a face mask.  I wear gloves to cover my hands from the sun, especially when I stay outside for a long time.

  • What is your most favorite sport to play or watch? Do you play it inside or outside? During the day or at night?​
    I love to participate on the swim team/swimming.  I get to swim indoors and at night, but swim practice is early enough in the morning that it doesn’t bother me to much.

  • What ways are you able to adapt to do certain activities outside?I try to stay in the shade& wear the right clothing.  For instance, when I go to Glenwood Springs School their pool is open until 10pm so I can swim at night.

  • What fun things are you able to do inside your home while the sun is out?I like to build with my Legos, watch movies, play video games, read, write and draw.

  • What has been the best vacation ever?I loved Legoland.  But my EPP was bad there, the sun hurt my hands, so I was not able to enjoy the Park as much as I wanted to.

  • Have you met any other kids with EPP before?No

  • Do you go to School/Homeschool?Elementary School

  • Do you have to go by car, bus or walk? Bus

  • What things do you have to do to protect your skin (In school) or (taking the car or bus)?For school and taking the bus, I wear long sleeves and long pants.  My mom insists on me wearing a hat and gloves, at recess in the spring and fall, I don’t want to but I know it’s for my protection.  My hands always seem to end up hurting the most when it’s bright outside.  In the winter it’s not too bad for me.

  • Is it hard for you to tell your friends, teachers or family what EPP is?No, not hard, they always forget because I have a mild case.

  • What do you tell them?I tell them I have a condition where if I’m out in the sun to long my hands will start itching and swelling up.  It gets bad and swollen- I just don’t like that.  When I was younger I used to tell people, I was allergic to the sun because they understood that a bit better.  My mom sends information from the APF to my teachers & share Jared Ulmers videos about EPP.

  • What things do you do if you feel sad or left out?I sit in the shade with a friend, or I go play video games.

  • What do you want to be/do when you grow up?I want to be a video game programmer

  • What advice can you share to help other kids that have EPP?Stay in the SHADE!  When my Dad is walking the dog in the park, I will jump from one shady spot to another.

  • Parents- How do your children deal with their EPP? (flare/pain)?As Ben gets older, he doesn’t tell us how often he’s in pain, so he’s deals with it on his own.  If he’s really hurting he asks for a wet cold cloth or fan.

  • Would you benefit from a new treatment? If so how would it help you?Yes, I would if it doesn’t change my appearance.  I don’t want to be tan.  It would also help me to be out in the sun more, especially at swim meets & swim team.  Id love to be able to go outside and not feel pain.  I could go to places that I enjoy like LEGOLAND, always being able to do whatever I wanted to outside.

Thank you Ben for taking the time and sharing your examples of how you deal with EPP!  Enjoy your swimming and swim team!  I know you’ll be a great Gaming Programmer.
  

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Friday, April 27, 2018

#PAW 2018 Medical Moment~ VP Variegate Porphyria

#PAW2018


Variegate porphyria





Other Names:
 
Porphyria variegate; VP; Porphyria, South African type; See More

Categories:
 
Variegate porphyria is a form of hepatic porphyria most common in the white South African population. This autosomal dominant disorder may produce acute attacks (as in acute intermittent porphyria) as well as skin photosensitivity.[1][2] The condition is caused by mutations in the PPOX gene which lead to deficiency of the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase.[3] Acute attacks are managed and may be prevented as in acute intermittent porphyria.[1]
Last updated: 7/19/2010
Episodes of acute variegate porphyria can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. During an episode, a person may also experience muscle weakness, seizures, fever, and mental changes such as anxiety and hallucinations. Individuals with variegate porphyria may also develop cutaneous symptoms, including skin photosensitivity.[3]
Last updated: 7/19/2010
This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.
Showing 1-5 of 21 | 
Medical TermsOther Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Hypopigmented skin patches0001053 
Scarring0100699 
Thin skin0000963 
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal blistering of the skin
Blistering, generalized
[ more  ]		0008066 
Cutaneous photosensitivity
Photosensitive skin
[ more  ]		0000992 
Showing 1-5 of 21 | 
Do you have more information about symptoms of this disease? We want to hear from you.
Last updated: 4/1/2018
Variegate porphyria is caused by mutations in the PPOX gene.[3] Mutations in the PPOX gene reduce the activity of protoporphyrinogen oxidase, allowing compounds called porphyrin precursors to build up in the body. These compounds are formed during the normal process of heme production, but reduced activity of protoporphyrinogen oxidase allows them to accumulate to toxic levels. More than 130 mutations in the PPOX gene have been identified in people with variegate porphyria. A particular PPOX gene mutation is found in about 95 percent of South African families with the disorder.[4]
Nongenetic factors such as certain drugs, alcohol, dieting, as well as other genetic factors that have not been identified, also contribute to the characteristic features of variegate porphyria.[4]
Last updated: 7/19/2010
Variegate porphyria is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, which means one copy of the gene in each cell is mutated. This single mutation reduces the activity of an enzyme needed for heme production, which increases the risk of developing signs and symptoms of porphyria.[1][3]
Last updated: 12/12/2017
The diagnosis of variegate porphyria is made by finding excess coproporphyrin in urine and both coproporphyrin and protoporphyrin in feces.[1][2] The most sensitive screening test is probably a plasma porphyrin assay.[1]
Last updated: 7/19/2010

Testing Resources

  • The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.
    Acute attacks are managed and may be prevented as in acute intermittent porphyria.[1][2] Hospitalization is often necessary for acute attacks. Medications for pain, nausea and vomiting, and close observation are generally required. A high intake of glucose or other carbohydrates can help suppress disease activity and can be given by vein or by mouth. Intravenous heme therapy is more potent in suppressing disease activity. It can be started after a trial of glucose therapy. However, the response to heme therapy is best if started early in an attack. Heme must be administered by vein. Panhematin is the only commercially available heme therapy for treatment and prevention of acute porphyric attacks in the United States. Heme arginate, which is marketed in some other countries, is another preparation of heme for intravenous administration.[5]
    Last updated: 7/19/2010

    Management Guidelines

    • Orphanet Emergency Guidelines is an article which is expert-authored and peer-reviewed that is intended to guide health care professionals in emergency situations involving this condition.  
    • The American Porphyria Foundation offers a document that includes information about porphyria, types, testing, and treatment with Panhematin®.  Click the "document" link above to view these guidelines.
      Do you have updated information on this disease? We want to hear from you.
      If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.
      If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.
      You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

      Healthcare Resources

        Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

        Patient Registry

        • The Porphyrias Consortium is a team of doctors, nurses, research coordinators, and research labs throughout the U.S., working together to improve the lives of people with this condition through research. The Porphyrias Consortium has a registry for patients who wish to be contacted about clinical research opportunities. 

          For more information on the registry see: http://rarediseasesnetwork.epi.usf.edu/registry/index.htm
          Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

          Organizations Supporting this Disease

            Social Networking Websites

            • RareConnect has an online community for patients and families with this condition so they can connect with others and share their experiences living with a rare disease. The project is a joint collaboration between EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).

              Organizations Providing General Support

                Do you know of an organization? We want to hear from you.
                Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

                Financial Resources

                • The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance for underinsured patients living with chronic and life-altering conditions. They offer help with drug copayments, deductibles, and health insurance premiums for patients with specific diseases. The disease fund status can change over time, so you may need to check back if funds are not currently available.
                  These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

                  Where to Start

                  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Variegate porphyria. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
                  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic. 
                  • The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), offers information on this condition. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
                  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

                    In-Depth Information

                    • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
                    • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
                    • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
                    • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
                    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Variegate porphyria. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
                      The following diseases are related to Variegate porphyria. If you have a question about any of these diseases, you can contact GARD.
                      Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question
                      • I have just had my DNA report returned to find that I am a carrier of variegate porphyia as is my daughter. We both are asymptomatic. I am not South African Dutch. How many second generation and now third generation Americans are diagnosed yearly? If I have never had symptoms (age 65), will I have symptoms?See answer

                      Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist.
                      1. Variegate Porphyria (VP). American Porphyria Foundation. 2010; http://www.porphyriafoundation.com/about-porphyria/types-of-porphyria/VP. Accessed 7/19/2010.
                      2. Porphyria, Variegate. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2001; http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Porphyria%2C%20Variegate. Accessed 7/19/2010.
                      3. Porphyria. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). 2009; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=porphyria. Accessed 7/19/2010.
                      4. PPOX. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). 2009; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/PPOX. Accessed 7/19/2010.
                      5. Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP). American Porphyria Foundation. 2010; http://www.porphyriafoundation.com/about-porphyria/types-of-porphyria/AIP. Accessed 7/19/2010.
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