Chenodeoxycholic acid therapy in erythrohepatic protoporphyria

The short-term effect of chenodeoxycholic acid administration on the excretion of protoporphyrin was investigated in 5 patients suffering from erythrohepatic protoporphyria. Faeces were collected for 7 days, 10 ml of bile was sampled daily and blood was drawn every 2 to 3 days. Chenodeoxycholic acid was given in a dosage of 15 mg/kg/day from the 8th day. Collection of faeces, bile and blood was then continued for 10 more days. Protoporphyrin concentration was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography and fluorometry.