Incandescent Desires

Late night studies

•Your POV•
I was recently informed on Alcina's blood disease, Porphyria cutanea tarda which was first found somewhere the 1900's, there isn't a lot of information on this incurable disease since it happens so very rarely, even while in childhood, so it is handy to keep it all on paper somewhere close by

Porphyria cutanea tarda is the most common subtype of porphyria, the disease is named because it is a porphyria that often presents with skin manifestations later in life, example are red spots and blisters

The disorder results from low levels of the enzyme responsible for the fifth step in heme production, heme is a vital molecule for all of the body's organs as it is a component of hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood

Hepatoerythropoietic porphyria has been described as a homozygous form of porphyria cutanea tarda, although it can also be caused if two different mutations occur at the same locus

Nongenetic factors such as excess iron or partially genetic factors such as alcohol use disorder and others listed above can increase the demand for heme and the enzymes required to make heme

The combination of this increased demand and reduced activity of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase disrupts heme production and allows byproducts of the process to accumulate in the body, triggering the signs and symptoms of porphyria cutanea tarda

While inherited deficiencies in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase often lead to the development of PCT, there are a number of risk factors that can both cause and exacerbate the symptoms of this disease

One of the most common risk factors observed is infection with the Hepatitis C virus, one view of a collection of PCT studies noted Hepatitis C infection in 50% of documented cases of it

Additional risk factors include alcohol use disorder, excess iron and exposure to chlorinated cyclic hydrocarbons and the Agent Orange chemical

"You've certainly collected a lot of information" I turned around and saw Lady Daniela, a large grin spreading across her face "Yes, I have" the once comfortable and silent night was broken by her and her rambling on about her theories to her mother's disease

I sat down my work so it wouldn't seem I am being rude and took of my reading glasses and faced her while crossing my arms with a soft sigh and she seemed to stop when I did that "Sorry, didn't mean to annoy you" she unconsciously stepped closer to the door, seemingly ready to bolt any minute

"My apologies, Lady Daniela" she rose a brow at my apology "I didn't want to seem rude, so I put all my attention on you" she grinned once more and sat down and spun around in the chair "Mind if I help you? Keep you company that is, I may be smart but....not that smart"

She gave an uneasy look while reading my notes and I chuckled softly and went back to work while listening to her rambles