Ferriprive anemia in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria

There is much difference in severity of symptoms of patients with
erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). There have been various studies to find
the cause for this difference. The difference in severity might be partly
explained by the presence or not of a low amount of hemoglobin. Recent research
has been performed to investigate the role of iron in EPP. An important
observation is that part of the patients with EPP has iron deficiency, which
might cause the anemia.
If actually can be confirmed that an iron deficiency is the base of anemia in
patients with EPP, these patients can be given iron suppletion, which can
reduce the severity of symptoms.

To investigate the prevalence of anemia in EPP patients, related to the
severity of symptoms and to investigate the cause of this anemia.

Blood (via venapunction) will be investigated for a possible anemia, a possible
iron deficiency, the amount of protoporphyrin and liver function. Patients with
anemia and iron deficiency will be given low doses of iron after consideration
with the general practitioner. After 3 months they will be examined again to
investigate any effects.
Furthermore the investigators will notice the severity of the symptoms with a
quality of life questionnaire. Also information about food, medication, alcohol
use and smoking will be collected.

The only disadvantage which can be the consequence of this study, is that as
result of the venapunction the patients can get an haematoma.