Which of the following is a risk factor for porphyria cutanea tarda?

Which of the following is a risk factor for porphyria cutanea tarda?

• A. Alcohol use
• B. Hepatitis C
• C. Smoking
• D. HFE mutations

Answer: (A)

Porphyria cutanea tarda results from reduced activity of hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, leading to accumulation of uroporphyrin and photosensitive skin findings. Alcohol use is a major, well-established precipitant because it damages the liver and increases oxidative stress and iron stores, which further inhibit UROD and raise porphyrin levels. Among the options, alcohol’s direct impact on liver function and porphyrin metabolism makes it the strongest, most consistent risk factor. Hepatitis C, smoking, and HFE-related iron overload can contribute as well, but alcohol use is the most prominent triggering factor in many patients.

Porphyria cutanea tarda results from reduced activity of hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, leading to accumulation of uroporphyrin and photosensitive skin findings. Alcohol use is a major, well-established precipitant because it damages the liver and increases oxidative stress and iron stores, which further inhibit UROD and raise porphyrin levels. Among the options, alcohol’s direct impact on liver function and porphyrin metabolism makes it the strongest, most consistent risk factor. Hepatitis C, smoking, and HFE-related iron overload can contribute as well, but alcohol use is the most prominent triggering factor in many patients.